H.R.2058 - To amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to define the term evidence-based. (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 2058 aims to amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) by defining the term "evidence-based." The bill specifies criteria for activities, services, strategies, interventions, or content of materials to be considered evidence-based. This includes demonstrating statistically significant effects on participant outcomes through experimental, quasi-experimental, or correlational studies, or showing a rationale based on high-quality research and ongoing evaluation efforts.
Expected Effects
The amendment will likely lead to a greater emphasis on data-driven decision-making in workforce development programs funded under WIOA. States will be required to prioritize funding for programs that meet the defined evidence-based criteria. This could result in more effective workforce development initiatives and improved outcomes for participants.
Potential Benefits
- Increased effectiveness of workforce development programs due to the focus on evidence-based practices.
- Improved outcomes for participants in these programs, leading to better employment opportunities and career advancement.
- More efficient allocation of resources by prioritizing programs with proven results.
- Enhanced accountability and transparency in the use of federal funds for workforce development.
- Encouragement of rigorous evaluation and research in the field of workforce development.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for excluding innovative or promising programs that have not yet been rigorously evaluated.
- Increased administrative burden for states and local areas to demonstrate that programs meet the evidence-based criteria.
- Possible bias towards certain types of research methodologies, potentially overlooking valuable insights from qualitative studies or other approaches.
- Risk of "cherry-picking" evidence to support pre-existing programs, rather than objectively evaluating their effectiveness.
- Could stifle creativity and flexibility in addressing unique local workforce needs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to improve workforce development and economic opportunity. Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to "lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defence and general Welfare of the United States." This bill falls under the umbrella of providing for the general welfare by attempting to improve the effectiveness of workforce development programs.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).