More than a decade overdue for reauthorization, the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) was designed facilitate increased coordination among federal workforce development and related programs. It is vital that Congress modernize the nation's workforce development system to ensure that individuals at all skill levels are able to obtain the training and education they need to get and keep jobs that lead to economic security, while also ensuring that employers in high-growth and emerging industries are able to find qualified workers to fill current and projected job openings.

Introduced by Senator Murray (D-Wash.) and co-sponsored by Senators Harkin (D-Iowa), Alexander (R-Tenn.), and Isakson (R-Ga.), the Workforce Investment Act of 2013 (S. 1356) represents a bipartisan effort to strengthen the law, through enhanced employment opportunities, research, and independent living services. With the goal of modernizing WIA and improving the lives of the individuals with disabilities it serves, ADvancing States urges Congress bring S. 1356 to the floor.

ADvancing States letter of support for the Workforce Investment Act of 2013 (S.1356) is available here.

The text of S. 1356 is available here.