S.1336 - Jobs in the Woods Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Jobs in the Woods Act (S.1336) aims to establish a grant program through the Department of Agriculture to address workforce development needs within the forestry sector. The bill focuses on providing career pathway training programs in eligible nonmetropolitan areas. These areas must meet specific criteria related to low-income status, broadband access, and population size.
The grant program would support eligible entities such as nonprofits, states, Indian Tribes, local governments, and higher education institutions. The grants, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000, would be awarded for a period of up to four years.
An appropriation of $10,000,000 per fiscal year from 2025 through 2029 is authorized to carry out the provisions of the Act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the Jobs in the Woods Act would likely increase the availability of skilled workers in the forestry sector, particularly in rural areas. This could lead to increased economic activity in these regions.
The Act may also improve broadband access in eligible areas, as it is a prerequisite for participation in the grant program. This could have broader positive impacts beyond the forestry industry.
Furthermore, the focus on career pathways and partnerships with educational institutions could provide valuable opportunities for students and address the aging workforce issue in the forestry sector.
Potential Benefits
- Increased job opportunities in rural areas within the forestry sector.
- Enhanced skills and training for workers in forestry operations and related industries.
- Support for economic development in low-income, nonmetropolitan communities.
- Improved broadband access in eligible areas, facilitating economic growth and educational opportunities.
- Partnerships between educational institutions and the forestry industry, creating a pipeline for future workers.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program's focus on nonmetropolitan areas might exclude other regions with forestry workforce needs.
- The broadband requirements could be a barrier for some eligible areas, limiting their ability to participate.
- The limited funding authorization may not be sufficient to address all the workforce development needs in the forestry sector nationwide.
- The competitive grant process could create administrative burdens for eligible entities.
- The program's success depends on the effective implementation and management by the Secretary of Agriculture.
Constitutional Alignment
The Jobs in the Woods Act appears to align with the General Welfare Clause (Article I, Section 8) of the U.S. Constitution, which grants Congress the power to provide for the general welfare of the United States. The Act aims to promote economic development and job creation, particularly in rural communities, which can be considered within the scope of promoting the general welfare.
Furthermore, the Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights or other constitutional amendments. The establishment of a grant program and the allocation of funds for workforce development do not raise any immediate constitutional concerns.
However, the implementation of the Act should be carefully monitored to ensure that it does not disproportionately benefit or disadvantage any particular group or region, and that it adheres to principles of equal protection and due process.
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).