Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies recently released his report, Under Threat: Sequestration's Impact on Nondefense Jobs and Services.  Workforce Investment Act (WIA) State Grants provide employment and training services to low-skilled, disadvantaged and underemployed adults; dislocated workers needing new or upgraded skills; and youth who have dropped out of high school and want to go back to school or enter the labor market. Nationally, 413,546 fewer adults, dislocated workers and youth will receive job training.  In Wisconsin, 5,250 less will receive WIA training related services.  When added to the 22,039 fewer jobseekers served under Wagner-Peyser Employment Service --Wisconsin employers and workers will certainly feel the impact of these cuts.     

In the last decade, funding for federal workforce development programs has declined by more than 30 percent-including more than $1 billion just since Fiscal Year (FY) 2010. Similarly, Congress recently enacted eligibility changes to the Pell Grant program that could eliminate access for nearly 150,000 students in the first year alone, while more than a quarter of a million additional students will see their grant awards reduced at a time of rapidly rising tuition costs. These changes will most impact nontraditional students, likely even further reducing access to skills training for working adults.

Although policymakers face difficult decisions, our nation must continue to invest in those skills to maintain our competitiveness in the global economy.  Such cuts are already having an impact: a recent survey of workforce providers found that more than three quarters expected to reduce training as a result of reduced funding levels, and nearly half believed they would have to cut back on services for employers seeking skilled workers.

Training sites included NEWCAP in Oconto, NWTC Regional Learning Centers in Crivitz, Niagara, Oconto Falls, and Luxemburg as well as schools in Niagara, Gresham, and Bonduel. NWTC provided the instructors. Funding was provided as a core service to job seekers under the Workforce Investment Act at a cost of $52.19 per trainee. Trainees ranged in age from people in their 20s to people in their 60s.

Trainee comments:

Shawano Class!

"Why I wanted to take this class is because I am a student at NWTC and know very little about using Word, Excel, and other programs I will need for my classes." Tammie M.

"This class means setting a personal goal for me to improve my computer skills. The fact that this class is free is great because I am 8 months pregnant and I am not really sure as to whether or not I will be able to attend all eight classes or not. It also gives me a sense of accomplishment before the baby comes. I am grateful that our school/community has offered these classes for free." Tricia Z.

"This class has a lot of potential for me. I hope to learn all about Windows and all the other things that are out there for me. I need to get ahead in life and this is a good start. The greatest thing is that it is free, what better way to start. The world is a big place and the computer is everywhere. Thanks you so much for the company that helped us." Anna S.