A bipartisan bill introduced on April 17 by U.S. Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) would establish a grant program designed to build up the digital skills of America’s workers.
The congressman cosponsored the Digital Skills for Today’s Workforce Act, H.R. 8056, alongside bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA). U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) introduced the companion bill, S. 4139, in the Senate.
“I’m proud to join Rep. Spanberger in introducing this bipartisan legislation that will help better prepare our workforce and strengthen our economy,” Rep. Valadao said.
The purpose of the measure is to build digital skills for current and incoming workers in in-demand industries in order to advance access to good jobs and fill in-demand occupations, according to the text.
If enacted, the bill would establish capacity within post-secondary education, adult education, and workforce development systems to deliver digital skills training and to design such training, and to foster digitally resilient individuals and education and workforce development systems, the text says.
“Ensuring people have the digital skills they need to navigate the modern job market is critical to the strength of our economy,” said Rep. Valadao. “When people enter the workforce with the foundational skills they need, it not only eases the burden on employers, but it sets people on a path to success for the rest of their careers.”
Specifically, the bill would create formula funding grants for states based on a combination of population, number of working-age residents, and number of residents with low digital literacy skills, and would require states, localities, and organizations that receive a grant under this bill to report their awards publicly, according to Rep. Valadao’s staff.
“Investments to close the digital skills gap help our workforce and our communities stay competitive and stay ahead,” Rep. Spanberger said. “I’m grateful for the support of Sen. Kaine and Congressman Valadao as we work to deliver this support.”