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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Brett Guthrie (KY-02), along with Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR-01) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to designate September 2019 as National Workforce Development Month.

“Our economy is always changing with new innovation and technology, and Congress needs to ensure that Kentuckians have the skills they need for the jobs that are available,” said Guthrie. “I was proud to work with Congresswoman Bonamici to once again introduce this resolution to make September National Workforce Development Month, which reinforces our commitment in Congress to increase awareness to help support workers and employers. I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve workforce development opportunities for Kentuckians.” 

The resolution highlights the need for increased investments in workforce development programs, which support workers and help employers meet the demands of a global economy. Workforce development programs provide workers – particularly those with barriers to employment – with access to the education, training, credentials, and supportive services they need to secure good-paying jobs. More than half of the jobs in today’s labor market require more training than a high school diploma, but not a four-year degree, and our workforce system is tasked with making sure that all workers access the skills they need for these jobs and employment. 

“Workforce development programs provide pathways for workers to better-paying jobs and economic security,” said Congresswoman Bonamici. “These programs provide critical support to women, people of color, dislocated workers, disconnected youth, people with disabilities and others who may face barriers to employment. Additionally, these programs allow employers to align quality on-the-job training with their local needs. As our global economy continues to evolve, we need to make significant investments in federal workforce development programs to prepare workers for in-demand industries. I am grateful to be working with Rep. Guthrie to recognize September as National Workforce Development Month and recommit to championing efforts to increase federal funding for these valuable programs.”

The full text of the resolution can be found here.

The resolution is cosponsored by: Representatives Chris Pappas (D-NH), Dan Meuser (R-PA), Cindy Axne (D-IA), Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA), James Comer (R-KY), Troy Balderson (R-OH), Joseph D. Morelle (D-NY), Anthony Brown (D-MD), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Adam Smith (D-WA), Marcia L. Fudge (D-OH), Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ), and William R. Timmons IV (R-SC).

Bonamici and Guthrie, both members of the House Education and Labor Committee, are strong advocates for workforce development in Congress. This is the second year they have worked together to designate September as National Workforce Development Month. They also introduced the bipartisan PARTNERS Act with Representatives Drew Ferguson (R-GA) and Susan Davis (D-CA) to help small and medium sized businesses establish apprenticeships and work-based learning programs.

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