On Wednesday, U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) introduced legislation to fund workforce training initiatives with federal funding.
The legislation, the Reduce Duplication and Improve Access to Work Act (H.R. 7446), was co-sponsored by U.S. Rep. Brad Wenstrup (R-OH) and would allow states to use a portion of the funds from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program on workforce training programs organized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WOIA).
“The best pathway out of poverty is a great job. Providing states additional flexibility to use federal funds to invest in workforce development programs will create additional opportunities for individuals to connect with a job and live their own American Dream,” Smucker said.
Currently, states are allowed to transfer up to 30 percent of TANF money to other social services funds including childcare. Smucker’s legislation would make WIOA programs eligible for TANF funds.
“A reliable, good-paying job that can support one’s family is a key first step on the journey to economic independence. I’m proud to help lead this bill that would knock down silos within our government assistance programs and allow states more flexibility to use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to support workforce development programs,” Wenstrup said.
In addition, states would be allowed to keep 15 percent of TANF funds transferred to WIOA for statewide workforce training activities, and the rest would be allocated to local workforce boards. The transferred funds would only be used for individuals with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, officials said.