By Mitch Coppes, Government Relations Senior Specialist, Goodwill Industries International
This week, the House Appropriations Committee voted to advance its Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education appropriations bill. The annual funding measure proposes significant increases for many of the federal workforce development programs that help support training and employment services, like those offered by local Goodwill® organizations.
Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) noted the strong funding levels for workforce programs in the bill and the importance of supporting individuals with barriers to employment.
“We look to try to enhance our workforce — $11.8 billion for employment and training,” said DeLauro. “[I am] proud of the programs created by this committee. [The programs meet] the growing demand for skilled workers and include those with significant barriers. It helps them to find good employment opportunities.”
The House bill proposes a total of $15 billion in funding for the U.S. Department of Labor for FY23, which would be a $1.9 billion increase above the current FY22 level. Of this amount, $11.8 billion would go to the Employment and Training Administration, an increase of $1.3 billion above the current level. Specific funding levels for key workforce programs include:
- $3.1 billion for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state grants, an increase of $256 million above the current level.
- $450 million for the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), $45 million above the current level and President Joe Biden’s budget request.
- $150 million for the Reintegration of Ex-Offenders (REO) grant program, an increase of $48 million above the current level.
- $303 million for Registered Apprenticeships, an increase of $68 million above the current level.
- $100 million to continue and expand Strengthening Community College Training grants, an increase of $50 million above the current level.
- $145 million for YouthBuild, an increase of $46 million above the current level.
- $70.5 million for the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP), an increase of $10 million above the current level.
The bill proposes $75 million in new funding for a National Youth Employment Program to support summer and year-round employment for youth. It would provide $15 million to pilot a new Civilian Climate Corps to support job training and paid community service opportunities in clean energy and climate mitigation for underrepresented populations, as well as $10 million for a new Veterans Clean Energy Training Program to prepare military veterans and their spouses for employment in clean energy jobs. The bill also seeks to increase the maximum Pell grant for low-income students pursuing post-secondary education and training by $500 over the current award amount, from $6,895 to $7,395.
At the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Administration for Community Living (ACL) would receive $450 million for home and community-based supportive services, an increase of $51 million above the current level, as well as:
- $244 million for Family and Native American Caregivers Services, an increase of $39 million above the current level.
- $274 million for direct service programs for people with disabilities, an increase of $40 million above the current level.
The bill is expected to be approved by the full House of Representatives before FY23 begins on October 1, 2022. However, the Senate Appropriations Committee has not yet produced its version of the bill with its own spending priorities and proposed funding levels. As the month-long August recess quickly approaches and the 2022 midterm election season begins in earnest, it is likely that debate and negotiations over the annual funding measure will drag on into the new fiscal year, with a stopgap continuing resolution needed to prevent a government shutdown in the fall.
