Information Alert: WIOA Reauthorization and Subminimum Wage Advocacy

Dear Advocates,

We are writing to provide an update on the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) reauthorization process and our advocacy for the Transformation to Competitive Integrated Employment Act (TCIEA).

WIOA Reauthorization

Earlier this year, we were informed that the Senate intended to reauthorize Titles I, II, and III of WIOA without making any changes to Title IV, which includes the Rehabilitation Act. The House had already completed its markup without touching Title IV. Protecting Title IV is always NCIL’s number one legislative priority. NCIL has in the past consistently advocated against any changes that could weaken the Rehabilitation Act or its critical protections for people with disabilities.

Advocating for TCIEA

As a founding member of the End Subminimum Wage Coalition alongside the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), and National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), we have been working tirelessly to advance the TCIEA. Over the past year, we have advocated for TCIEA as a standalone piece of legislation to be included in the workforce package that also includes WIOA.

Current Developments

Right before the Thanksgiving holiday, we were informed that the Senate reached an agreement on the workforce package and on a five-year WIOA reauthorization, with Title IV remaining untouched. TCIEA was not included in the package. The Senate planned to pass the package through a “hotline process”.

The “hotline process” is an informal mechanism used to speed up legislative action by seeking unanimous consent to pass a bill or resolution without a formal vote or debate. Any Senator can place a hold on the legislation when it is under a hotline, and it means that there is not unanimous consent, and the bill will not pass unless the hold is resolved.

The hotline process is being used to expedite reauthorization due to the limited amount of time left in the congressional session and the outcome of the recent election.

Monday late afternoon, the hotline went live, and we have been informed that a couple of Senators have placed holds.

What’s Next

NCIL is committed to advancing both WIOA reauthorization and TCIEA. Over the last week, NCIL and coalition members of the End Subminimum Wage Coalition have been collectively meeting with offices urging them to resolve all holds and pass WIOA in this congressional session. We are also communicating that passing TCIEA is a priority for the disability community.

We will keep you updated as this process unfolds. NCIL is working on a targeted strategy to advocate for the bill’s passage.

Thank you for standing with us in this effort. If you have any questions, please contact NCIL Director of Advocacy and Public Policy Jessica Podesva at jessica@ncil.org