On May 17, the House Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies held a hearing with Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh to discuss the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 budget request for the Department of Labor. This hearing followed Education Secretary Cardona appearing before the Subcommittee a few weeks ago.
Secretary Walsh highlighted the Biden Administration’s workforce initiatives, such as the Department’s trucking apprenticeship challenge, registered apprenticeship programs and grants, and the Good Jobs Initiative.
In response to a question from Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), Secretary Walsh highlighted the importance of community colleges in developing the career interests of young people. “We have an opportunity to get them into innovative careers,” said Secretary Walsh. “We have to meet young people where they are at.”
Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) asked about upskilling, particularly in the automotive industry and technology sectors. Secretary Walsh responded, “We need to do a better job, whether it is through pathways to apprenticeships or workforce development programs, of making investments in American workers.”
Additional topics of discussion included the ongoing baby formula shortage, unemployment insurance, wage theft legislation, immigration reform, equity and expanding access to jobs for historically underrepresented populations, such as women and people of color.
You can watch the full hearing at the link above.
