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.
