Ohio House Passes Resolution Urging Congress to Enact Workforce Investment Act

The House of Representatives today passed House Concurrent Resolution 23, introduced by Representative Tim Derickson (R-Hanover Twp.) and Representative Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), which urges the Congress of the United States to reauthorize and modernize the Workforce Investment Act.

Enacted in 1998, the Workforce Investment Act created a range of workforce development activities through local organizations with the intent to promote an increase in employment, job skills and job retention. Congress has not reauthorized the act since its adoption.

The following can be attributed to Rep. Derickson:

“I am pleased with the unanimous support of House Concurrent Resolution 23 in the House. The need for Ohio to direct funds, create training programs and assist our underemployed workers, as well as our unemployed, are just a few benefits to Congress "Reauthorizing" the Workforce Investment Act of 1998.”

The following can be attributed to Rep. Romanchuk

“Ohio’s workforce needs have changed significantly since WIA was created. HCR 23 is a critical step towards meaningful reforms to the U.S. workforce development system and will give states the flexibility they need to improve their economies.”

House Concurrent Resolution 23 will now move to the Ohio Senate for review.