As the first year of the 118th Congress comes to an end there have been numerous reports highlighting that this Congress has been on a sluggish pace in passing legislation and has been the least productive since the Great Depression. In this polarized environment it can feel at times that our advocacy efforts are not making an impact.
Category: Advocate
House Committee Pushes for Bipartisan Update to Workforce Law
The House Education and the Workforce Committee recently took a significant step toward reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) with the introduction of the A Stronger Workforce for America Act. The bill is the product of months-long bipartisan negotiations in the committee on an update to the primary federal workforce development law for the first time since 2014.
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Give your Voice During the Season of Giving
On the heels of Giving Tuesday, Goodwill Industries International joins our partners in the Charitable Giving Coalition in calling on Congress to expand charitable giving incentives to all taxpayers. Since 2012, Giving Tuesday has marked the beginning of the year-end season of giving, during which Americans display unmatched generosity through charitable donations.
Congress Punts Funding Deadline Into 2024
In a rare show of bipartisanship for a deeply divided Congress, lawmakers recently passed a second stopgap funding bill to avert the government shutdown that threatened to take effect after the midnight deadline on Friday, November 17. The continuing resolution (CR) temporarily extends funding for federal agencies and programs into 2024 using staggered deadlines.
2023 ELECTION RECAP
While considered an “off” year, voters in 37 states went to the polls and exercised their right to vote on state and and local offices, special elections, ballot questions, constitutional amendments and more. Gubernatorial elections were held in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Mississippi. Governor Andy Beshear (D) won another term. Investing in higher education and workforce
Tell Congress to Continue Funding Affordable Internet
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides affordable, high-speed home internet service to more than 21 million households across the country. With support from the ACP, low-income families, people with disabilities, students, rural residents, and older Americans that struggle to get online can now access virtual learning, find jobs, and participate in the digital economy.
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National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Before October comes to an end, it is important to recognize National Disability Awareness Month (NDEAM). In his Presidential Proclamation, President Biden observed, “a workforce that includes people with disabilities is one that is stronger and more effective.”
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Celebrating Vote Early Day
The votes for the Speaker of the House aren’t the only votes on which we’re focusing. On Thursday, October 26th Goodwill is joining thousands of nonpartisan organizations nationwide to celebrate Vote Early Day, a civic holiday created to empower Americans to share their voices by casting their ballot before Election Day.
Federal Investments Accelerate Demand for Clean Tech Workforce
It has been more than a year since President Biden signed into law the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) – the health care, climate, and tax package that, along with the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act, has become one of the Administration’s signature legislative achievements.
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Shutdown Averted, But Much Still Unknown
Putting his leadership position in jeopardy, former Speaker Kevin McCarthy made an 11th hour shift in strategy by introducing a relatively "clean" continuing resolution (CR) without controversial border-security provisions or spending cuts. The CR passed the House with the support of House Democrats and then passed the Senate thus avoiding a government shutdown.
Making Connections During Digital Inclusion Week
Digital Inclusion Week is a time to promote digital equity and advance essential digital skills, digital literacy, and affordable internet connections to low-income families, people with disabilities, youth and young adults, people involved in the criminal justice system, military veterans, and other people facing barriers to digital inclusion.
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House Committee Hearing Focuses on Strengthening the Workforce System
The House Higher Education and Workforce Development Subcommittee of the Education and the Workforce Committee recently held a hearing on strengthening the workforce system and improving outcomes for job seekers, employers, and taxpayers through the reauthorization of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
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