Midwest Governors support SECTORS Act.

Midwest Governors Release Statement Supporting SECTORS Act Passage in House

National Skills Coalition Applauds Governors for Attention to Shifting Skill Needs in America’s Heartland

Washington, DC - The Midwestern Governors Association (MGA) released a statement applauding the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the Strengthening Employment Clusters to Organize Regional Success Act (SECTORS Act). The bill, passed by the House on July 19 by a unanimous voice vote, promotes industry growth and competitiveness, and improves worker training, retention and advancement.

"Federal action on the SECTORS Act will support the ongoing work of the Midwestern governors to ensure that the region is an effective leader in the new energy economy," said Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland, MGA chair, in the statement release Thursday. "A well-skilled workforce is a critical component of these efforts and getting workers the training they need continues to be our commitment as we develop our strategy to transition into jobs of the future."

The SECTORS Act was developed by National Skills Coalition (NSC) with state and national partners, and lead sponsors Representatives Loebsack (D-IA) and Platts (R-PA) in the House and Senators Brown (D-OH), Murray (D-WA) and Snowe (R-ME) in the Senate. Co-sponsored by 20 Representatives and 6 Senators, and endorsed by 168 organizations including 75 employers, the bill allows businesses, unions, the public workforce system, and education and training providers to develop and implement plans that target job training at the current and anticipated skill needs of industries within a geographic region.

“Newly skilled workers, trained in collaboration with employers seeking new markets and growth opportunities, will be vital to the economic recovery of the Midwest,” said NSC’s executive director Andy Van Kleunen. “We applaud these Governors for their support of the SECTORS Act,  which will invest in new public-private partnerships that will enable our education and training institutions to better meet the needs of regional industries, helping them grow and provide new pathways to good jobs.”

This type of sector-focused training developed in collaboration with specific industries has demonstrated results. A rigorous independent two-year study released last month by Public/Private Ventures (P/PV) found positive outcomes including, steadier employment with increased earnings and better access to benefits.

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