Workforce Development Funding and the Ballot Box
Written By: Policy Director Jacob Sitati and CJC CEO Lisa M. Bly-Jones, Ed.D.
The Chicago Jobs Council (CJC) proudly stands with the dedicated frontline workers who form the backbone of our workforce community. We recognize the power of worker's voice through voter participation and workers' critical role as voters.
There is also a fundamental connection between voting and workforce development funding. The future of legislation like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and Illinois's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) depends on the choices made at the ballot box. After reading this, we hope our sector will be motivated and equipped to effectively advocate for increased voter turnout, ensuring that our elected officials prioritize the needs of those who rely on essential programs.
The Intersection of Voting and Workforce Development Funding
Federal and state budgets are pivotal in shaping the availability and effectiveness of workforce development programs. For example, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a cornerstone of federal support, providing essential funding for job training, employment services, and other workforce development activities. On a state level, Illinois's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) represents a significant investment in job creation and economic justice, particularly through clean energy initiatives.
The success and sustainability of these programs are vital to our communities' economic stability and growth, which depends on elected officials' budgetary decisions at both the federal and state levels. These leaders' priorities determine the continuation of such initiatives and their potential for expansion and increased impact.
Elected officials wield significant influence over the allocation of funds for workforce development programs, and voting is the primary means by which individuals shape who holds this power. We can shift the power dynamic. Through our votes, citizens directly impact decisions that affect the availability of resources for job training, education, and employment services. Federal legislation like the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) includes vital workforce components, providing funding that enhances job creation, infrastructure development, and economic recovery efforts. At the state level, Illinois' Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program is another critical initiative that strengthens workforce development by offering targeted training opportunities to meet the demands of a changing economy.
Voting is more than a civic duty; it is a strategic tool for ensuring workforce development receives the attention and resources it deserves. By electing representatives who prioritize policies like ARPA, IIJA, and JTED, voters can help secure the necessary funding and support for these programs, which are crucial for economic equity, job creation, and social mobility. The ballot box, therefore, serves as a powerful mechanism for driving legislative action that directly benefits our communities and their economic futures.
The Importance of Voter Engagement in Workforce Development
Low voter turnout can result in the election of leaders who may not prioritize workforce development or who might redirect funds away from these essential programs. Conversely, when voter turnout is high, particularly among communities directly benefiting from workforce development initiatives, there is a greater likelihood of electing leaders committed to sustaining and expanding these programs. By actively participating and promoting participation in elections, our sector can ensure that interests are represented by officials who understand the importance of investing in job training, education, and economic opportunity.
Workforce development programs support marginalized communities, including low-income individuals and people of color, as these initiatives provide critical pathways to economic stability, job opportunities, and social mobility. By increasing voter turnout among the communities we serve and work for, we can ensure that their voices are heard in the political process and that their interests are considered in budgetary decisions.
We highlight the link between voting and workforce development funding to advocate among workforce development stakeholders. Community-based organizations can amplify this message as trusted messengers within each local community.
Conclusion
Voting plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of workforce development. It empowers communities to influence the allocation of critical resources for job training, economic mobility, and overall community well-being. The Chicago Jobs Council is committed to highlighting the direct connection between voting and the support for essential legislation like the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and Illinois’s Job Training and Economic Development (JTED) program.
By encouraging our workforce community to vote, we can ensure that elected officials prioritize the funding and expansion these vital initiatives, driving economic equity and opportunity for all. Together, through informed and active voting, we can amplify our community's voice, secure the resources we need, and build a future where workforce development programs are fully supported and accessible to everyone.
