Sections

Research

The Workforce Investment Act: Reauthorization to Address the “Skills Gap”

Professor of Public Policy, Georgetown University and
PoPPGU
Professor of Public Policy, Georgetown University
Margy Waller
MW
Margy Waller Visiting Fellow, Economic Studies and Metropolitan Policy, The Brookings Institution

December 1, 2003

The need for skills enhancement among the nation’s less-educated workers remains acute and evidence on the cost-effectiveness of publicly funded training is generally positive. Nevertheless, public funding of the nation’s workforce development system remains modest, and has markedly declined over time. The reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act, now before Congress, provides an opportunity to implement a number of proposals—including increased funding, regional coordination, better outreach to immigrants, and improved reporting—that could significantly advance the nation’s employment and training options.

The Brookings Institution is committed to quality, independence, and impact.
We are supported by a diverse array of funders. In line with our values and policies, each Brookings publication represents the sole views of its author(s).