|
|
| |
| Foxx Report |
|
|
For far too long, there has been a discrepancy in what students are learning in the classroom and what employers say they need in the workplace. The passage of the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) in 2014 was an important step for the millions of Americans who are looking for work and for the employers who have job opportunities that remain unfilled due to the skills gap.
In a nine-county region in North Carolina, the Centralina Council of Governments and Centralina Workforce Development Board are utilizing the new law to foster a modern workforce that local businesses can rely on to compete. On Wednesday I spoke on the House floor about how they are making the most of the workforce development system provided by WIOA.
This week the House Committee on Education and the Workforce continued our efforts to close the skills gap and help put people to work by unanimously approving legislation that strengthens career and technical education. This bipartisan bill goes a long way toward ensuring that individuals who pursue a technical education have the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.
Improving Health Savings Accounts
This week the House passed legislation that improves access to health care through much-needed modifications to health savings accounts and provides targeted relief from Obamacare, including a repeal of the Obamacare prohibition on using tax-free funds from health savings accounts to purchase over-the-counter medication without a prescription.
Health savings accounts foster a real sense of ownership and control over health care decisions. H.R. 1270, the Restoring Access to Medication Act of 2015, makes common-sense improvements to allow Americans to save for health care expenses and budget according to their specific needs.
Mental Health
On Wednesday the House passed the most significant reform to our nation's mental health programs in decades. H.R. 2646, the Helping Families in Mental Health Crisis Act of 2016, directs resources where they are needed the most. This includes fostering evidence-based care, fixing the shortage of psychiatric hospital beds, empowering parents and caregivers, bringing accountability to mental health spending and advancing early intervention and prevention programs so people are able to get treatment before their illness becomes a crisis.
Teachers in Congress
Congratulations to Kristen Crews of Clemmons and Douglas Smith of Kernersville on their selection for the 10th annual “Teacher in Congress” internship. The “Teacher in Congress” internship was created to offer educators a glimpse of the workings of Congress and the federal government while experiencing the day-to-day life of a member of Congress.
This program will provide Kristen and Douglas with a tangible way to give students a look inside the federal government. Their week in Washington will equip them to teach in new ways about our roles in a republic and hopefully inspire the next generation of North Carolina public servants with a vibrant civics education.
What’s Coming Up
Next week the House will consider legislation to ensure Iran does not have access to the U.S. financial system, hold it accountable for its human rights abuses and threatening activities, and prevent the Obama Administration from purchasing heavy water from Iran’s nuclear program. The House will also consider the VA Accountability First and Appeals Modernization Act to continue cleaning up the VA and strengthening the VA appeals process. Finally, the House will consider the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
NOTE: Please DO NOT respond to this email as this inbox is unattended. To contact my office please click here
|
|
|
