Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act to Include Workforce Funding
The House of Representatives released the "Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions (HEROES) Act. The entire 1815 page bill text can be found
here
.
This is the first COVID-19 response legislation to directly target WIOA formula programs and the workforce development system. HEROES proposes to appropriate $2.04 billion to the workforce development system. This legislation would relax eligibility requirements from WIOA to include all those described as a "covered individual" under the CARES Act. This definition of a "covered individual" can be found
here
. HEROES also proposes that priority of services in local one-stops be given to those directly impacted by COVID-19 economically, including those seeking employment, dislocated workers, individuals with barriers to employment, and individuals who are unemployed or underemployed. This money is proposed to be allocated as follows:
- $485 million for grants to States to be used for Adult Employment and Training Activities including:
- Incumbent Worker Trainings
- Transitional Jobs
- On the Job Training
- Individualized Career Services
- Supportive Services
- Needs-related Payments
- Facilitating remote access to training services providing through the one-stop system using technology
- To be available through 6/30/21
- $518 million for grants to States to be used for Youth Activities including:
- Supportive Services
- Summer Employment for Youth
- Facilitating remote access to training services providing through the one-stop system using technology
- To be available through 6/30/21
- $597 million for grants to States for Dislocated Worker Employment and Training Activities Including:
- Incumbent Worker Training
- Transitional Jobs
- On the Job Training
- Individualized Career Services
- Supportive Services
- Needs-related Payments
- Facilitating remote access to training services providing through the one-stop system using technology
- To be available through 6/30/21
- $400 million for the Dislocated Workers Assistance National Reserve
- To be available through 9/30/23
- $25 million for Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Programs
Additionally, there is a proposed $500 million to be appropriated to establish a contract tracing system in the United States (Sec. 30561, Pg. 515-554). This proposal names local workforce boards as a key eligible partner in preparing a contract tracing workforce. HEROES proposes that of the funds eligible to local boards that 10% be used for administrative costs and 60% must be used for recruitment and training for COVID-19 testing, contact tracing, surveillance, containment and mitigation. However, this legislation proposes that 30% of allocated funds be kept in reserve to support the transition of individuals hired as contract tracers and related positions into education or training program, or un-subsidized employment upon the completion of these positions.