Yesterday, the House Education and the Workforce subcommittee on 21st Century Competitiveness voted 18-15 on a party line to approve the Job Training Improvement Act (H.R. 27), that would overhaul the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

Sponsored by Subcommittee Chairman Howard McKeon (R-California), the bill would combine the funding stream for adults, dislocated workers and employment services into a single state block grant. This move would give governors more discretion over how the money is spent. There are concerns however that some served by those programs would lose funding while others could benefit.

An amendment offered by Rep. McKeon to authorize the President's budget proposal to fund partnerships between community colleges and businesses in high demand industries was approved by voice vote. However, an amendment offered by Rep. Robert Scott (D-Virginia), to strike language allowing faith-based groups to use religious preference in hiring, was rejected by a vote of 13-19. The full committee is expected to mark-up the bill on Feb. 16.

The House passed a similar bill in 2003. The Senate later amended and passed the House bill, but Senate Democrats would not allow it to go to conference.