Blunt Announces Key Investments in Workforce Development, Job Training Programs Included in FY22 Labor/HHS Bill

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (Mo.), the top Republican on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (Labor/HHS), today announced that the FY22 Labor/HHS funding bill prioritizes funding for critical workforce development and job training programs. The bill is expected to be considered by the full Senate later this week.

“Workforce development programs are critical in helping people get the skills they need to get ahead,” said Blunt. “This bill includes significant funding for programs that have been a top priority for our state, from connecting veterans with employers through HIRE Vets to preparing workers for good-paying jobs through the Apprenticeship Program. I’ve long said that an economy that makes things is much stronger than one that simply trades services. That’s why I’m glad this bill provides significant funding for a wide range of workforce development and job training programs that have made a real impact in Missouri and across the nation. I will continue advocating for initiatives that help Americans create a better future for themselves and their families.”

Following Are Some of the Key Workforce Development Priorities Included in the Labor/HHS Bill:

• Career Pathways Initiative: $15 million, an increase of $5 million, to continue an initiative at the Department of Labor to improve career pathways for students that can lead to the full-range of post-secondary college and career options.

• Rural Postsecondary Education and Economic Development Program: $20 million, an increase of $10 million, to continue an initiative to improve post-secondary access and completion among rural students by providing services for students from middle school through college, and promoting partnerships between school districts, institutions of higher education, and regional economic development organizations.

• Apprenticeship Program: The bill includes an increase of $50 million for the Apprenticeship Program, bringing the overall funding level to $235 million. This total marks an increase of $145 million since Congress began funding this program in FY16.

• Veterans’ Employment and Training (VETS): The bill provides $325.3 million, an increase of $9 million, for VETS. VETS provides intensive employment services to veterans and eligible spouses, transitioning service members, and disabled veterans. This increased funding will support veterans in the transition assistance program as they move into the civilian workforce and help homeless veterans access employment and training services.

• HIRE Vets Medallion Program: The bill continues to provide the Department of Labor with the necessary resources to carry out Blunt’s HIRE Vets Act, which established a tiered recognition program within the Department of Labor to award employers based on their contributions to veteran employment. In November, the department announced that six Missouri employers received HIRE Vets Medallion Program Awards.

• Rural Workforce Training Initiative: The bill provides $45 million, an increase of $10 million, in continued funding for the dislocated worker training initiative, Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities, to provide reemployment and training assistance to dislocated workers in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions to ensure they can adapt existing skills and learn new skills demanded by other growing industries, and return to work as soon as possible.

• Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants: The bill provides $50 million, an increase of $5 million, to better align workforce development needs for in-demand industries with post-secondary education.

• Workforce Training Grants: The bill includes $2.8 billion in grants to states, an increase of $34 million. These funds are distributed by formula to states and localities to meet each state’s unique workforce training and development needs. Missouri received $33.86 million in training and employment services grants in 2021.

• Youth Workforce Training: The bill increases funding for several other programs to provide at-risk youth with the opportunity to gain educational and occupations skills:

○ Youth Grants to States: $933.1 million, an increase of $14 million; and

○ YouthBuild: $99 million, an increase of $2.5 million. Two Missouri grantees, located in Columbia and St. Louis, were awarded Youthbuild funds in 2021.