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Congressman Van Drew Introduces Workforce Development Legislation In Response to COVID-19 Pandemic

Contact: Scott Weldon (202)225-6572

Washington, DC, July 22, 2020

Today, Congressman Jeff Van Drew introduced the Workforce Recovery and Training Services Act. The legislation is designed to address the needs of workers in a post-COVID 19 job market. It authorizes the Department of Labor to disburse $3.5 billion dollars to states, with priority given to higher impacted areas. Senator Daines (R-MT) introduced the Senate companion legislation earlier this week.

The legislation includes:

  • Increased funding for online training, especially for vital jobs in fields like technology and health care.
  • Incentivizes for the hiring and training by employers for in-demand skills.
  • Providing localities expanded employment and re-employment services; also includes online services in areas where in-person support is not possible.

“We are living in a world that has been changed by COVID, and our legislative priorities need to support our communities and our workers to address the needs of our new environment,” said Congressman Van Drew “The Workforce Recovery and Training Services Act will ensure that those that are the hardest-hit in our community are able to receive necessary preparation for new opportunities. ”

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