Overview
Title
To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to direct the Secretary of Labor to award grants to train workers for broadband careers.
ELI5 AI
This bill wants to help people get jobs in the internet-building world by giving money to schools and companies so they can train workers. But, the schools and companies need to bring some of their own money to get this help.
Summary AI
H. R. 7291 aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create a grant program encouraging training for careers in the broadband industry. It authorizes the Secretary of Labor to award competitive grants to eligible entities like educational institutions, labor organizations, and private businesses to offer training and pre-apprenticeship programs. These entities must provide 25% matching funds from non-federal sources to receive a grant. The funding for the program would come from existing allocations to the Department of Labor, without authorizing new funds.
Published
Keywords AI
Sources
Bill Statistics
Size
Language
Complexity
AnalysisAI
Summary of the Bill
The proposed legislation, designated as "H.R. 7291," aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to initiate training programs for those seeking careers in the broadband industry. Under this bill, the Secretary of Labor would be authorized to award competitive grants to eligible entities to create training opportunities, including pre-apprenticeship programs. Various organizations such as training providers, labor organizations, nonprofit entities, private businesses, industry associations, and educational institutions could qualify for these grants. A stipulation requires these entities to contribute a non-federal matching fund equivalent to 25% of the grant. The funding for this initiative would come from the Department of Labor's existing budget allocations.
Summary of Significant Issues
One notable issue with the bill is the requirement that eligible entities must provide 25% matching funds from non-federal sources. This could pose a challenge for smaller organizations that may struggle to meet these financial demands, potentially skewing participation toward larger or more financially secure entities. Additionally, the bill does not specify the total amount of funding available for these grants, which creates uncertainty about the program's scale and reach. Another concern is that reallocating existing Department of Labor funds could inadvertently disrupt current programs without clear details on which funds would be affected. Lastly, the reliance on existing regulations for the definition of "broadband" introduces an element of change, as these regulations might be revised in the future, affecting the program's scope.
Broad Impact on the Public
For the general public, the bill could lead to increased job opportunities in the broadband industry as more individuals receive training through these grants. This holds the promise of expanding the workforce skilled in this critical sector, which could, over time, improve broadband infrastructure and services across the country. However, without clarity on the funds available and the possible redirection of existing labor department resources, there might be concerns about unintended negative impacts on current workforce development programs that support other industries.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Specific stakeholders, particularly small nonprofits and community-based organizations, may face challenges in accessing these grants due to the matching fund requirement. This financial hurdle could limit their participation, thereby impacting the inclusivity and diversity of the workforce benefiting from this initiative. On the other hand, large educational institutions, private businesses, and industry associations with greater financial capabilities might find it easier to meet the grant requirements and could stand to benefit significantly. The bill's vagueness in application procedures also poses a risk of uneven application processes, which could affect transparency and trust among potential applicants.
Overall, while the bill has the potential to bolster the broadband workforce, careful consideration and possible amendments are necessary to ensure the equitable distribution of grants and mitigation of adverse impacts on existing programs and smaller entities.
Issues
The requirement for eligible entities to match 25% of the grant funding might favor larger organizations with more resources, potentially excluding smaller entities or those in underserved areas that might benefit from such programs (Sections 2(c), 172).
The section on 'Broadband industry training grants' does not specify the amount of funding available for the grants, leading to uncertainty about the program's scale and its potential impact (Section 2, 172).
The source of funding is from amounts otherwise appropriated for the Department of Labor, which may affect existing programs or funds without specifying which might be impacted, leading to unanticipated budget reallocations (Section 2(d), 172).
The definition of 'broadband' relies on an existing regulation, which might change over time, potentially altering the scope of the training program (Section 2(e)(2), 172).
The language 'in such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may require' regarding applications is vague, which could lead to inconsistencies in the application and awarding process (Section 2(b), 172).
The requirement for matching funds might act as a barrier for smaller organizations or nonprofits, affecting the diversity of entities that can benefit from the grants (Section 2(c), 172).
The amendment to strike out and insert a new 'Sec. 172' in the table of contents creates ambiguity as it is unclear if the new section is a direct replacement or if further clarification or renumbering is needed (Section 3).
Sections
Sections are presented as they are annotated in the original legislative text. Any missing headers, numbers, or non-consecutive order is due to the original text.
1. Short title Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The first section of this Act states that its official name is the “Broadband Industry Development Act.”
2. Broadband industry training grants Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The amended section of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act introduces broadband industry training grants, whereby the Secretary of Labor can competitively offer grants to eligible entities for training workers in the broadband industry. These grants require a 25% non-federal matching fund and must utilize existing Department of Labor funds, with eligibility extended to various organizations including training providers, labor organizations, nonprofits, and educational institutions.
172. Broadband industry training grants Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The Secretary is directed to provide competitive grants to eligible entities for training programs that prepare workers for careers in the broadband industry. These entities must contribute 25% of the grant value from non-federal sources, and the funds for these grants will come from existing Department of Labor allocations.
3. Conforming amendments to the table of contents Read Opens in new tab
Summary AI
The bill makes changes to the table of contents of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act by removing the item for section 172 and adding new items for "Broadband industry training grants" and "Authorization of appropriations" after section 171.