Goodwill to Issue Comments on WIA Reauthorization Bill Draft
This week, advocates for the workforce system are poring over a discussion draft of a bill that would reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). The draft was released to key stakeholders — including Goodwill — by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Not updated since its enactment in 1998 and having expired in 2003, the bill’s release, albeit tardy, is a welcome action.
A recent Government Accountability Office (GAO) report called for greater alignment, coordination and streamlining of job training programs, giving fodder to critics to call for significant funding cuts for programs authorized by WIA.
In May, House appropriators approved spending allocations that allow $139.2 billion in discretionary appropriations for the FY 2012 spending bill that provides funding for the U.S. Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education. This total is 12 percent less than the amount appropriated for FY 2011 and 23 percent below Obama’s budget request.
Congress Passes Final Budget Deal
Today, Congress passed a final budget deal to fund the government through the remainder of the fiscal year that ends on September 30, 2011. If signed by the president as expected, the final deal includes an across-the-board cut of 0.2 percent. In addition, several funding sources that local Goodwill agencies care about will be further reduced.
The Need to Thrift and Donate
I have been asked by you to write on thrifting, but as I think about the subject it seems almost too simple. I don’t think anyone needs to be inspired to thrift in 2011.
Thrifting is, of course, the practical alternative in a downturn economy. It just makes sense to shop at the lowest price point and to re-purpose that which has been used before. And, as much as I could treat the subject from my own personal perspective, I feel the need instead to focus on the issue of donating.
Get Organized This Spring with Help From Goodwill
Spring is right around the corner. As I come out of my winter hibernation, I find myself experiencing the following symptoms:
* The urge to clean my space
* The need to clear the clutter
* The desire to repurpose the stuff I no longer use
Do you experience one or more of these symptoms? Fear not — you, just like me, simply have a case of the spring cleaning bug! Gladly, Goodwill has two new partners that have joined the Donate Movement to help us declutter our lives and help those in need in our community.
Take Action Today to Thwart Threats to Job Training
Congress averted a potential March 4 government shutdown by approving a temporary spending measure. This Continuing Resolution will keep federal programs funded through March 18, 2011, and cut current spending by $4 billion. While temporarily averting a shutdown, the threat to job training programs remains at ‘Code Red.’
Plan Unveiled in House to Cut Job Training Funding by $2 Billion
On February 11, 2011, the House Appropriations Committee unveiled a proposal to cut spending by $100 billion including more than $3.8 billion from the U.S. Deparment of Labors job training programs. If accepted by both the House and Senate, the cuts would be likely to take effect immediately. Click here to take action to support job training programs!
“Winning the Future” Requires a Win-Today Workforce
Last week, millions of Americans watched the State of the Union. In outlining his strategy for “winning the future,” President Obama highlighted the need to create jobs by out-innovating, out-educating, and out-building the rest of the world. He also focused on the need to reduce the deficit. Among budget-cutting strategies he outlined was a proposal to freeze annual spending for the next five years, exempting education, defense, veterans affairs, homeland security, Medicare, and Social Security.
Take Stock of 2011 Fashion
It goes without saying that every year we make resolutions for the New Year. I am here to propose yet another resolution for you! How about taking a critical look at all of the fashions you already have in your closet?
Congress Passes Temporary Spending Bill: Sets Stage for Funding Battle Next Year
On December 21, 2010, the U.S. Congress passed a “continuing resolution” (CR) to temporarily fund federal programs until March 4, 2011. The bill is expected to be signed by President Obama today. As cleared, the bill would increase government spending by $1.16 billion in fiscal 2011 compared with fiscal 2010. The bill also includes millions of dollars in additional funds for a variety of federal programs, including some aimed at aiding veterans and students.
Debt Commission May Decrease Funding for Employment Programs
Last week, the co-chairs of the National Commission on Fiscal Responsibility and Reform released a discussion draft of ideas to reduce annual government budget deficits and pay down the U.S. national debt.
Decision 2010 Implications: Job Creation and Job Training Services Need Your Support
Last week, Congress adjourned to give anxious Members of Congress time to hit the campaign trail. Having failed to pass a single appropriations bill to provide funding for federal programs in FY 2011, Congress passed a temporary spending measure or “continuing resolution (CR)” that, for the most part, extends funding for federal programs at current levels through December 3, 2010. The December 3 deadline is significant because it falls after the November mid-term election, yet before the new 112th Congress convenes, meaning that soon-to-be-former Members of Congress must return to Washington in mid-November for a “lame-duck session” to approve spending levels for all federal programs.
Congress Returns to Washington with Busy Agenda
Congress returned from the Summer recess to staggering reports, such as the unemployment rate hovering near 9.6 percent, and one in seven people living in poverty last year. Although congressional time is limited before the Election Day recess – set tentatively for October 8 – lawmakers remain hopeful that at least a few employment-related bills – can get through the Congress before the recess or during a possible lame-duck session after the election.