The American Rescue Plan is swiftly working to boost the recovery of the United States through the worst of this pandemic. The plan is a bold investment in the country’s infrastructure, and will create countless well-paying jobs to working Americans everywhere. Despite the unprecedented wealth of our country, we come in at just 13th in infrastructure quality. The pandemic has exposed the flaws in our system, and this plan will do as much to advance the country in the future as it does immediately. The American Rescue Plan will help the United States win the battles against climate change, provide needed jobs to middle class citizens, and allow us to stay ahead of China on the national stage.
- Provides over $11 billion to the state and local public workforce system to support dislocated workers, employers, youth, and adults who are seeking jobs. These funds will strengthen workforce training activities—including on-the-job training and registered apprenticeships—as well as career services—including career navigation support, online skills training, and employment services. The funds will also prioritize short-term training for health care and essential frontline workers;
- Invests $1 billion in expanding the capacity of adult education providers to serve adults with low-literacy levels who have been negatively impacted by the economic consequences of the COVID-19 national emergency, including $100 million reserved for adult education in correctional facilities;
- Invests $1 billion in high-quality, work-based learning opportunities and career and technical education to prepare students for careers in high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industry sectors and occupations; and,
- Invests $2 billion to restart the community college career training grant program, which was initiated during the Great Recession to help employers find talent in their local area, and provide individuals with career pathways to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand employment opportunities.