September 16, 2024

New Dems Unveil Jobs Action Plan to Address the Labor Shortage, Reward Hard Work, and Strengthen the U.S. Economy

Today, the New Democrat Coalition Workforce Development Task Force, led by Chair Kathy Manning (NC-06) and Vice Chairs Val Hoyle (OR-04), Hillary Scholten (MI-03), and Gabe Vasquez (NM-02), unveiled the New Dems’ Jobs Action Plan, which examines barriers to labor growth and lays out a roadmap to strengthen our national workforce and economy.

Through a series of recommendations for both Congress and the Administration, the Jobs Action Plan aims to break through the five major barriers that contribute to our ongoing workforce shortage:

It’s too difficult for non-college workers to obtain the skills they need;

  1. Barriers to work are limiting labor growth;

  2. There are too many hurdles to employment;

  3. Too many women and people of color feel stuck in low-paying jobs; and

  4. Workers can’t find opportunities where they live.

Workforce Development Task Force Chair Kathy Manning issued the following statement on the Action Plan:

“Our nation is full of dedicated and skilled workers striving to achieve the American Dream, but they’re currently being held back by a system that isn’t allowing them to reach their full potential. 

“To truly unleash the potential of our labor force and bolster the backbone of the U.S. economy, the federal government must act to break down barriers to success. That’s why New Dems spent months studying the labor market, meeting with key stakeholders, and crafting commonsense recommendations capable of earning the bipartisan support needed to pass into law.

“Using our Action Plan as a roadmap, New Dems look forward to working with the Administration and our colleagues in Congress to implement these solutions and deliver for the hardworking American people.”

You can view the full Jobs Action Plan here, and read the introductory letter to the reader below:

The New Democrat Coalition (New Dems) are building an economy that works for everyone by giving Americans the tools they need to thrive. New Dems have been instrumental in passing historic investments in economic growth, wage increases, and global competitiveness through legislation including the Inflation Reduction Act, Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and the Chips and Science Act. While the unemployment rate under the Biden Administration has remained at a steady, low rate of 3.7%, millions of Americans feel the constraints of a workforce system that’s not working for them. New Dems are committed to removing barriers to employment and creating opportunities for hardworking Americans.

In a constantly developing economy, it is imperative that people are trained with the skills needed to adapt to fast changing jobs. Nearly every industry across the country is experiencing workforce shortages despite hiring rates outpacing quit rates. Workers without college degrees, people of color, and women face additional hurdles to employment, and New Dems are dedicated to leveling the playing field.

The New Dem Workforce Development Task Force is made up of a group of Members committed to finding and passing solutions that create workforce opportunities for all Americans. After analyzing the state of labor and economic conditions and meeting with stakeholders, the Task Force is proud to release the New Democrat Coalition’s Jobs Action Plan.

In this report, the Workforce Development Task Force lays out suggestions for how the federal government can support employees and employers with commonsense and equitable legislative solutions. The report provides a brief overview of barriers to labor growth, specifically for people of color, women, and people without college degrees, including obstacles like a lack of infrastructure and outdated immigration laws.

By coming together and finding common ground on legislation to improve workforce conditions, the federal government can strengthen the backbone of the American economy and bolster the United States’ position as a global leader. New Dems are committed to working with the Biden Administration and our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to empower all Americans to participate in and benefit from job creation and a growing economy.

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