SUPPORT INCREASED IT EDUCATION AND TRAINING THROUGH REAUTHORIZATION OF THE WORKFORCE INVESTMENT ACT BACKGROUND. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) financially supports a workforce development system that helps job seekers obtain new job skills and assists employers in finding workers with the training and certifications that meet their needs. The WIA system is managed at the federal level by the U.S. Department of Labor and on the local level by Workforce Investment Boards. REAUTHORIZATION OF WIA AND OPPORTUNITIES TO SUPPORT IT EDUCATION AND TRAINING. The Workforce Investment Act expires on September 30, 2003. Traditionally, WIA has primarily supported job retraining of individuals in non-technical skills. The reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act creates an opportunity to redirect a portion of the $11 billion in annual federal job retraining funds toward enhancing skills in IT education and training. STATUS. The House Education & Workforce Committee recently approved legislation reauthorizing WIA. The Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003, H.R. 1261, is awaiting action by the full House. It is anticipated that the Senate will be taking up the issue in the near future. The U.S. Department of Labor supports reauthorization of WIA and efforts to incorporate education and training priorities of the technology community. ACTION. NACCB urges the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate to support efforts to include IT training and education under Workforce Investment Act programs. Further, NACCB encourages members of both bodies to quickly approve legislation reauthorizing the Workforce Investment Act.