Hearing Recap: Postsecondary Education Edition
Committee on Education & The Workforce
February 9, 2023
Yesterday’s Education and the Workforce Committee hearing covered the importance of improving workforce development programs and increasing accountability in postsecondary education.
With more than 11 million unfilled jobs in the United States, and more than six million Americans unemployed, Republican lawmakers pointed out the importance of addressing the skills gap. “[W]e need to ensure our nation’s system of education and workforce development can provide the skills that individuals will need to succeed in our ever-changing economy,” said Republican witness Monty Sullivan, President of the Louisiana Community and Technical College System and President of Rebuilding America’s Middle Class.
With so many Americans out of the workforce, Dr. Sullivan added “With relatively low labor force participation rates, we have a significant pool of untapped talent stranded in this economy.”
One of the best ways to address the nation’s skills shortage is expanding Pell Grants. Mr. Sullivan stated “The single most important step Congress can take in helping address our nation’s skill shortage is to immediately authorize the use of Pell Grants for workforce programs. Students need the shortest and least expensive pathways to employment with opportunities for advancement throughout their lives.”