Panhandle Times

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) has introduced the Building Youth Workforce Act in an effort to provide access to youth-workforce development and training programs for all students. This bill, co-sponsored by Representative Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), aims to remove barriers to education, training, and employment that students may face.

Speaking about the importance of this legislation, Congressman Moran said, "Providing access for all students to youth-workforce development and training programs is imperative to setting the next generation up for success and helping students overcome the many barriers to education, training, and employment they may face. The Building Youth Workforce Act would allow local workforce development boards to use their allotment of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds to provide Individual Training Accounts (ITAs) for eligible in-school-youth ages 16-21."

This bill seeks to create more opportunities for in-school-youth to develop their skills, ultimately ensuring a thriving workforce capable of meeting the needs of our communities. Congressman Moran, who is the only Texan on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, expressed his honor in building on the great work Texas has already done and investing in the future generation.

Congressman Smucker also expressed his support, stating, "Expanding students' access to skills training and workforce development programs will give the next generation of workers the opportunity to live their American Dreams. As students learn about pathways to a successful career, these critical programs will help students learn the skills to excel in in-demand and high-paying jobs. I thank Rep. Moran for introducing the Building Youth Workforce Act. I'm proud to be an original co-sponsor and am committed to advocating for this bill to be signed into law."

Under the current Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), skills development programs for out-of-school youth are provided through Individual Training Accounts (ITAs). However, the Building Youth Workforce Act aims to extend this opportunity to in-school-youth by allowing local workforce boards the flexibility to use their existing funds to provide ITAs for these students. This bill does not increase current spending levels but rather provides flexibility to use existing WIOA Youth Program resources to upskill the next generation.

Currently, 16 states, including Texas, have received a waiver from the Department of Labor to use ITA accounts for in-school-youth training. In Texas specifically, 30 percent of in-school-youth enrolled in postsecondary training programs have utilized ITAs to help fund their training, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

For more information on the Building Youth Workforce Act, please visit Congressman Nathaniel Moran's official website.

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