NYEC Statement on the House Appropriations Committee’s Approval of its LHHS Bill

 

Release Date: July 10, 2024

 

PRESS RELEASE: NYEC STATEMENT ON THE HOUSE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE’S APPROVAL OF ITS FISCAL YEAR 2025 LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, EDUCATION, AND RELATED AGENCIES BILL 

 

[Washington, D.C., July 10] – Today, the House Appropriations Committee advanced its Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies (LHHS) appropriations bill out of Committee. If enacted, the bill would significantly cut or eliminate crucial federal programs that support opportunity youth, young people ages 14-26 who face significant barriers to employment or education. 

 

The bill proposes to eliminate the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Training program, one of the few federal funding streams that supports programs that serve opportunity youth. Additionally, the bill proposes significant cuts to other crucial programs, such as Apprenticeship and the Reentry Employment Opportunities program. During a time where employers consistently raise concerns about a labor shortage and individuals desire in-demand skills from training programs, this bill does the opposite of what is needed. Rather than eliminations or cuts, there must be significant funding increases to these crucial programs. 

 

The National Youth Employment Coalition (NYEC) has published recommended funding levels to key federal programs that support opportunity youth that would significantly aid in reconnecting the nearly 4.7 million opportunity youth in the country. As Congress continues its efforts to finalize a FY 2025 appropriations bill, NYEC hopes that Congressional leaders robustly invest in programs that support opportunity youth. 

 

NYEC represents nearly 150 organizations that provide direct services to millions of opportunity youth, including community-based organizations, state and local workforce development boards, intermediaries, and research organizations. Our mission is to reconnect the nearly 4.7 million opportunity youth in the U.S. to high-quality education and training opportunities or employment through advocacy, convenings, research, and professional development. 

 

For more information, please contact NYEC’s Senior Advisor for Federal Policy, Nathan Hora nathan.hora@nyec.org.