Lifelong Learning Act

Summary#

This bill amends parts of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to give more flexibility for incumbent worker training programs. It changes numbers used in the section titled "Incumbent Worker Training and Transitional Jobs Standard Reservation of Funds." It adds new reporting requirements so States must report performance levels for incumbent worker training programs and requires that information be used with the Secretary of Labor and the Secretary of Education to adjust performance targets for the adult and dislocated worker programs. It also allows, with approval from the chief elected official and the Governor and any State eligibility rules, a local board to serve as a one-stop operator if the local board signs a written agreement, explains how it will carry out one-stop operator duties, and uses internal controls to prevent conflicts of interest, including following applicable OMB circulars and State conflict of interest policies.

What it means for you#

• Workers and jobseekers: The bill focuses on incumbent worker training, which could affect the availability or structure of training in your area if your State or local area uses these programs.
• Employers: States and local areas may have more flexibility in carrying out training for current employees.
• Local workforce boards and one-stop centers: Local boards may be allowed to act as one-stop operators if approved by local and State leaders and if they put in place written agreements and conflict-of-interest controls.
• State agencies: States must report the performance levels achieved by incumbent worker training programs and use that information with Federal officials to adjust performance targets for related programs.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s stated purpose is to permit greater flexibility in carrying out incumbent worker training programs and to expand certain options for one-stop operators. The text shows it would increase specified reservation numbers in the incumbent worker training section and add reporting and approval steps for local boards serving as one-stop operators.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.