Utah Reauthorization Project (UREAP)

Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Reauthorization

Principles

UREAP Principles for WIA Reauthorization  Adopted June 24, 2003  

Recent, Relevant Activities of the 109th Congress and the Bush Administration

Year-end Update on FY2006 budget action pertaining to employment and training programs, WIA reauthorization **NEW on 1/02/06**

H.R. 27, "Job Training Improvement Act," is the House bill to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act." The House passed the bill on March 2, 2005. A link to a revised summary and other information can be found at the Committee on Education and the Workforce page about the bill. HR 27, as passed by the House, includes most elements outlined in the Bush Administration's Proposal for Workforce Investment Act Reauthorization and HR 1261, the bill that passed the House in 2003. However, an amendment to add the "WIA Plus Consolidated Grant Program," an extended block grant/"superwiaver" mechanism sought by the Administration, was not offered. Summaries of the Administration's proposal and other discussions are featured on the home page of the Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration .

S. 1021, "Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2005," is a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act of 1998" written and passed unanimously by the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee on May 18, 2005. S. 1021 can be accessed by going to the "Thomas" website (link below) and searching on the bill number. The Bush Administration has announced its opposition to S. 1021 via a letter from Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao to HELP Committee Chairman Enzi (R.WY) because the bill lacks a number of Administration priorities. It is not known at this time when the bill may be scheduled for Floor debate. Pressure from the Administration to comply with its priorities is expected to continue. 

Current Law

Workforce Investment Act of 1998 - current law

Key UREAP Communications with Elected Officials (most recent first)

UREAP to Senator Hatch support for HELP Committee passage of S. 1021 "Workforce Investment Act Amendments of 2005" and urging its passage by the Full Senate without "WIA Plus" and other detrimental amendments. , sent on June 13, 2005, along with a similar letter to Senator Robert Bennett.  

UREAP to Senator Hatch re: "WIA Plus Consolidated Grant Program," sent on April 20, 2005.  

UREAP to Senator Hatch re: WIA Reauthorization Points , sent on March 30, 2005 along with similar letters to Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee Chair Mike Enzi, Ranking Member Edward Kennedy, and Senator Patty Murray.

Text of Comment on HR 27, "Job Training Improvement Act" Submitted to Congressman Matheson Prior to Debate on the House Floor by the Utah Reauthorization Project (UREAP) on March 2, 2005  Sent on 3/2/05, along with similar comments to Congressmen Cannon and Bishop.

Text of UREAP letter on HR 27, "Job Training Improvement Act" to House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairman John Boehner and Ranking Member George Miller  Emailed and FAXed 2/15/05.

Text of email to Utah's Congressmen regarding the "WIA Plus" amendment to HR 27, "Job Training Improvement Act." Sent 2/13/05.

Current Resources - Utah and National

National Association of State Workforce Board Chairs letter to HELP Committee Chairman Enzi and Ranking Member Kennedy re: the Association Chairs' position on WIA Reauthorization.  

National Governors Association (NGA) press release regarding WIA reauthorization views

Key Provisions in the Substitute to HR 27, "Job Training Improvement Act"
Dated 2/17/05.  

Utah Links and Resources

WIA Powerpoint Slide Show  (presented by Helen Thatcher, Department of Workforce Services, at January 17, 2003 UREAP meeting)  

National Links and Resources