On April 6, House Republicans on the Committee on Education and Workforce introduced a bill that would reauthorize the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). Chair Tim Walberg (R-MI) is the lead sponsor of the bill titled “A Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026.”
This year’s version of the bill is largely similar to the 2024 version of A Stronger Workforce for America that was nearly approved at the end of the 118th Congress.
There are some provisions in the bill specifically relevant to CTE. For example, the bill modifies the membership of local workforce boards by adding an optional position for educators, although that falls short of the required CTE participation we have advocated for. Furthermore, it modifies the functions of these boards to emphasize the alignment of career pathways with local CTE programs of study.
The legislation expands allowable statewide activities to include efforts to raise public awareness for CTE programs. This provision also encourages the development of stronger partnerships among educational institutions, with the goal of enhancing workforce-aligned programs and ensuring students are better connected to high-demand career opportunities.
The legislation also establishes a new Youth Apprenticeship Readiness Grant Program designed to increase participation in both pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship programs. An eligible education and training provider, workforce development system entity, qualified intermediary, or state agency in the state where the partnership is located may serve as the lead organization for the youth apprenticeship partnership.
The bill updates requirements for eligible providers of training services and operators of one-stop centers. Providers of registered apprenticeships and providers of Workforce Pell programs would automatically be included on the list of eligible training providers. In addition, area career and technical education schools, institutions of higher education, joint-labor management organizations and public libraries could serve as one-stop operators. The bill does allow for virtual one-stop centers; however, local areas opting for a virtual one-stop would be required to have at least two physical affiliated locations.
The bill also authorizes $65 million in appropriations for the renamed Strengthening Community Colleges Workforce Development Grant Program. Community colleges applying for Strengthening Community Colleges grants would need to establish an industry partnership with one or more employers in in-demand industries to carry out grant activities. Priority would go to applicants with plans to serve individuals facing barriers to employment or incumbent workers in need of foundational skills, as well as projects that would use competency-based assessments to award credit for prior learning.
This version does include some new additions. Specifically, the bill also would create a pilot program to allow states and local workforce boards to pursue reforms to their workforce development systems via Make America Skilled Again Grants. According to the bill, a state, local area, or consortium of multiple local areas with an approved pilot project will receive its adult, dislocated worker, and youth funds as a consolidated grant for five years with increased flexibility through waivers of statutory and regulatory requirements. The Labor secretary could approve up to 10 statewide pilot projects and eight local area or consortium pilot projects and add two more states later.
For adult learners, the bill proposes a significant structural shift by transferring responsibility for Title II Adult Education programs from the Department of Education to the Department of Labor. There are also several provisions in the adult education section of the bill promoting Integrated Education and Training.
ACTE is still analyzing the text and will provide additional details if the bill moves forward. If you have any questions, please contact ACTE Government Relations Manager, Jimmy Koch (jkoch@acteonline.org).
