H.R. 5861 (ENR) – Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment for Workers Act
Introduced: November 15, 2023
Sponsors:
- Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA)
- Representative Mark Pocan (D-WI)
- Representative Pramila Jayapal (D-WA)
- Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR)
- Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY)
Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Labor
Summary:
The Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment for Workers Act (BRIDGES Act) is a comprehensive workforce development bill that aims to strengthen the nation’s workforce and improve the quality of employment for all Americans. The bill builds on the success of the Reemployment Assistance and Job Training (RAJT) program, which was established by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
Key Provisions:
- Expansion of the RAJT program: The BRIDGES Act would expand the RAJT program to provide workforce development services to a broader range of workers, including those who have been unemployed for more than six months, those who have been displaced from their jobs due to technological changes, and those who are underemployed.
- Increased funding for workforce development: The bill would provide an additional $10 billion in funding for workforce development programs, including those that provide job training, career counseling, and other support services.
- Establishment of worker cooperatives: The BRIDGES Act would create a new grant program to support the development of worker cooperatives, which are businesses that are owned and controlled by their employees.
- Strengthening of labor standards: The bill would include provisions to strengthen labor standards, including raising the federal minimum wage, expanding access to paid family and medical leave, and making it easier for workers to unionize.
- Support for dislocated workers: The BRIDGES Act would provide additional support for dislocated workers, including those who have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing access to job training, career counseling, and other reemployment services.
Rationale:
The sponsors of the BRIDGES Act argue that the United States faces a significant workforce shortage, which is holding back economic growth and limiting opportunities for workers. They believe that the bill’s provisions will help to address this shortage by investing in workforce development, strengthening labor standards, and supporting dislocated workers.
Opposition:
The bill has faced some opposition from business groups, which argue that it would increase the cost of doing business and make it more difficult to hire and retain workers. They also argue that the bill’s provisions on labor standards would undermine the flexibility and competitiveness of the American economy.
Next Steps:
The BRIDGES Act is currently being considered by the House Committee on Education and Labor. If it is approved by the committee, it will then be considered by the full House of Representatives. If it passes the House, it will then be sent to the Senate for consideration.
H.R. 5861 (ENR) – Building on Reemployment Improvements to Deliver Good Employment for Workers Act
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