Take Action to Support Investments in Workforce Development

Congressional leaders have agreed upon a $3.5 trillion cap for a forthcoming reconciliation bill that will include components of President Biden’s American Jobs Plan and the American Families Plan that won’t be covered by the bipartisan infrastructure framework. In his initial proposal, the President called for $100 billion for workforce development activities over the next ten years.

Congress Has A Busy Summer Ahead

As lawmakers return from a July 4th recess, deadlines loom that will make for a busy summer. Suspension of the debt ceiling is set to expire July 31 and there is not a clear path forward as to whether Congress will let it expire or extend the suspension. The debt ceiling is the maximum amount of money the government can borrow to pay for its bills.

Update Stained Pants With a Stencil

A few months ago, I thrifted the cutest vintage white pants in the kid’s section for under $5. Whenever I find vintage pants in my size, I snag them immediately, even if they’re damaged, because I wear a very unique size.

Administration Promotes Workforce and Education Priorities on Capitol Hill

Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh and Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona have recently been making the rounds on Capitol Hill to pitch lawmakers on President Biden’s legislative priorities for workforce development and education.

My Story: Della Turner

In October of 2019, Della Turner found herself out of work. Everything had changed since she last searched for employment, and companies that were hiring required skills that she did not learn in her line of work. She knew it was time to update her skills. The Mississippi Department of Employment Security referred Della Goodwill Industries of Mississippi (Ridgeland) WIN Job Center, where she enrolled in digital skills training.

Congress Seeks Bipartisan Updates to the Workforce System

The House Education and Labor Committee recently held a hearing on the role of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in promoting successful reentry models for people impacted by the justice system. The committee heard testimony from a panel of witnesses that included representatives of community-based organizations, employers, and other stakeholder groups working to advance training and employment for justice-involved individuals.

Celebrate Summer and National Selfie Day with Goodwill

A lot has changed these past few months. A significant portion of the country has been vaccinated, restaurants have lifted capacity restrictions and indoor dining is allowed again, and stores are welcoming their customers with open arms.

Reduce, Reuse and Repurpose – Bringing Back the 3 “R”’s

There’s nothing like a long, relaxing walk in a flower-filled park to make you appreciate the natural world around you. There is so much to be in awe of when it comes to the environment, and so much more we can do to help the Earth remain the beautiful, season-changing place we grew up with.

My Story: Elton Fields

Elton spent many years out of work before coming to Goodwill. He often performed heavy manual labor to make ends meet, but the cycle eventually became burdensome, so he sought help from the Senior Community Service and Employment Program (SCSEP) at Goodwill Industries of the Valleys in Roanoke, VA.

Support a Digital Equity Agenda

The digital skills gap and a lack of broadband access in many households across the country has left millions of Americans at a significant disadvantage in pursuing learning and employment opportunities. In 2019, before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a Pew Research Center survey demonstrated rates of internet adoption were lowest among older Americans, low-income individuals, those with a high school diploma or less, Black Americans and other racial and ethnic minorities, and people living in rural communities.

Biden FY22 Budget Proposal

President Biden released the full version of his Administration’s fiscal year 2022 (FY22) budget, which calls for $6 trillion in spending and a deficit of $1.8 trillion.  The proposal provides details for allocations for federal agencies following topline requests that were released as part of the “skinny” budget in early April. 

Help Build Support for the WORK NOW Act

Prior to the pandemic, the nonprofit sector employed more than 12 million people, making them the third-largest industry in the country — larger than the construction, financial services and manufacturing industries. In normal times, these organizations are on the frontlines, providing housing, food aid, transportation, childcare, and workforce development and job training services to those who need it most, while also uplifting faith, culture and quality of life in communities throughout the United States.