Press Releases

The Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Training, chaired by Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-NC), today held a hearing to explore ways to streamline and modernize federal job training programs.  The hearing, “Removing Inefficiencies in the Nation’s Job Training Programs,” reviewed examples of program overlap and examined the success of state and local efforts to consolidate and improve workforce training initiatives.

An excerpt of Chairwoman Foxx’s opening statement is below:

A number of states have taken it upon themselves to streamline state workforce and welfare agencies that administer federally-funded programs. For example, Utah established the State Department of Workforce Services by merging 6 agencies that administered 23 employment and training programs.  Texas consolidated 28 employment and training programs from 10 separate agencies to create the Texas Workforce Commission. Additionally, Florida established the Agency for Workforce Innovation by merging state workforce programs with employment and training initiatives administered by the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program.

In each of these instances, states reported such consolidation efforts reduced costs, simplified delivery, improved efficiency, and heightened the quality of services provided to program recipients.

As we work to revitalize our economy in the wake of the recent recession, we must encourage a robust and responsive job training system that helps American workers effectively compete in the 21^st century workplace. This committee is dedicated to improving job training opportunities by streamlining unnecessary bureaucracy, eliminating duplicative programs, fostering economic development and encouraging the creation of high-skill and high-wage opportunities for workers in the global economy.

To read Chairwoman Foxx’s full remarks, witness testimony, or view an archive hearing webcast, visit /hearings.

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