Stefanik unveils bipartisan legislation to jump start nation’s workforce training

U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) on June 24 sponsored a bipartisan bill that would establish grants to support creation of personal reemployment accounts for Americans to gain skills and return to work following the economic disruption caused by COVID-19.

“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will provide training opportunities to workers who have been impacted by the pandemic and restore their individual ability to secure a meaningful career,” Rep. Stefanik said. “As businesses across the country reopen and jobs are being created, we must support those who are seeking reemployment during a challenging time.”

Rep. Stefanik introduced the Elevating America’s Workforce Act, H.R. 7321, with bill cosponsor U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), which also would provide more flexibility on where Americans can acquire new skills, including from providers that offer virtual or online training programs, and would help increase the ability of businesses to attract and train skilled workers by supporting work-based training programs for new employees, according to a bill summary provided by the congresswoman’s office.

If enacted, H.R. 7321 also would incentivize individuals to earn recognized postsecondary credentials and acquire in-demand skills with a bonus for completing training and reentering the workforce; encourage the use of counseling and career services through local workforce centers; and provide states the ability to target accounts to individuals most in need of new skills, according to the summary.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused joblessness to hit certain regions and sectors particularly hard, including many in the North Country,” said Rep. Stefanik, referring to her home-state district. “I look forward to working with my colleagues and helping the North Country get back to work.”

The National Association of Workforce Boards and the North Country Workforce Development Board endorsed the measure.