Legis Daily

Adult Education WORKS Act

USA119th CongressHR-2789| House 
| Updated: 4/9/2025
Lucy McBath

Lucy McBath

Democratic Representative

Georgia

Cosponsors (8)
Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Frank J. Mrvan (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This bill, known as the Adult Education WORKS Act, aims to strengthen adult education and workforce development by amending the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). A key provision is the introduction of college and career navigators , individuals who provide tailored guidance, labor market information, and facilitate access to training and postsecondary education, including financial aid. These navigators will support individuals accessing services under WIOA and help them co-enroll in relevant programs. The legislation integrates digital literacy skills and information literacy skills into workforce development activities and definitions, recognizing their importance for modern employment. It also expands the role of public libraries, allowing them to become one-stop partners and receive funds to provide career services and host navigators, especially in underserved communities. State and local workforce boards are mandated to promote the employment of these navigators. For adult education programs, the bill updates the purpose of AEFLA to explicitly include digital and information literacy and full participation in adult life. It significantly increases authorized appropriations for AEFLA, rising from $810 million in fiscal year 2026 to $1.35 billion by fiscal year 2030. The Act also raises the reservation of funds for national activities from $15 million to $25 million. The bill subjects AEFLA programs to WIOA performance accountability provisions but also establishes a pilot program for innovative performance accountability systems , allowing states to use alternative indicators for up to five years. Furthermore, it emphasizes the professionalization of adult education through state leadership activities, promoting teacher credentialing, professional development, and career ladders for educators. It also requires public transparency regarding non-Federal matching funds.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5987
Adult Education WORKS Act
Apr 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1400
Introduced in Senate
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 9, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5987
    Adult Education WORKS Act


  • April 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1400
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 9, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 9, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.

Labor and Employment

Related Bills

  • S 119-1400: Adult Education WORKS Act

Adult Education WORKS Act

USA119th CongressHR-2789| House 
| Updated: 4/9/2025
This bill, known as the Adult Education WORKS Act, aims to strengthen adult education and workforce development by amending the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). A key provision is the introduction of college and career navigators , individuals who provide tailored guidance, labor market information, and facilitate access to training and postsecondary education, including financial aid. These navigators will support individuals accessing services under WIOA and help them co-enroll in relevant programs. The legislation integrates digital literacy skills and information literacy skills into workforce development activities and definitions, recognizing their importance for modern employment. It also expands the role of public libraries, allowing them to become one-stop partners and receive funds to provide career services and host navigators, especially in underserved communities. State and local workforce boards are mandated to promote the employment of these navigators. For adult education programs, the bill updates the purpose of AEFLA to explicitly include digital and information literacy and full participation in adult life. It significantly increases authorized appropriations for AEFLA, rising from $810 million in fiscal year 2026 to $1.35 billion by fiscal year 2030. The Act also raises the reservation of funds for national activities from $15 million to $25 million. The bill subjects AEFLA programs to WIOA performance accountability provisions but also establishes a pilot program for innovative performance accountability systems , allowing states to use alternative indicators for up to five years. Furthermore, it emphasizes the professionalization of adult education through state leadership activities, promoting teacher credentialing, professional development, and career ladders for educators. It also requires public transparency regarding non-Federal matching funds.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-5987
Adult Education WORKS Act
Apr 9, 2025

Latest Companion Bill Action

S 119-1400
Introduced in Senate
Apr 9, 2025
Introduced in House
Apr 9, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-5987
    Adult Education WORKS Act


  • April 9, 2025

    Latest Companion Bill Action

    S 119-1400
    Introduced in Senate


  • April 9, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • April 9, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Lucy McBath

Lucy McBath

Democratic Representative

Georgia

Cosponsors (8)
Melanie A. Stansbury (Democratic)Shri Thanedar (Democratic)Frank J. Mrvan (Democratic)Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (Democratic)Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (Democratic)Jahana Hayes (Democratic)Eleanor Holmes Norton (Democratic)Suzanne Bonamici (Democratic)

Education and Workforce Committee

Labor and Employment

Related Bills

  • S 119-1400: Adult Education WORKS Act
  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted