Title: WORKER Act
Policy area: Education

Summary:
Working On Rewarding and Keeping Employees Resilient Act or the WORKER Act
This bill provides for (1) a grant program to implement engineering education programs in elementary and secondary schools; (2) programs that increase representation of women and under-represented minorities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) occupations; (3) grants for improved worker training, retention, and advancement; (4) wage insurance for state unemployment compensation recipients; and (5) the establishment of the Distressed Community Investment Agency to promote, establish, and strengthen venture capital investment in distressed communities.

[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6623 Introduced in House (IH)]

<DOC>






115th CONGRESS
  2d Session
                                H. R. 6623

   To advance STEM education, provide for improved worker, training, 
          retention, and advancement, and for other purposes.


_______________________________________________________________________


                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             July 26, 2018

  Mr. Ryan of Ohio (for himself, Mr. Khanna, Ms. Sanchez, Ms. Jackson 
 Lee, Ms. Clarke of New York, Ms. Moore, and Ms. Hanabusa) introduced 
 the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Education 
and the Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Ways and Means, 
      Energy and Commerce, Financial Services, Transportation and 
  Infrastructure, Science, Space, and Technology, Natural Resources, 
 Oversight and Government Reform, Foreign Affairs, and the Judiciary, 
for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case 
for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of 
                        the committee concerned

_______________________________________________________________________

                                 A BILL


 
   To advance STEM education, provide for improved worker, training, 
          retention, and advancement, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Working On Rewarding and Keeping 
Employees Resilient Act'' or the ``WORKER Act''.

SEC. 2. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.
Sec. 2. Table of contents.
                   TITLE I--ADVANCING STEM EDUCATION

    Subtitle A--Expansion of Engineering Programs at Elementary and 
                           Secondary Schools

Sec. 101. Grant program.
Sec. 102. Table of contents.
        Subtitle B--Expansion of Maker Education and Makerspaces

Sec. 110. Definitions.
Sec. 111. State leadership activities.
Sec. 112. Local uses of funds.
 Subtitle C--Increasing Women and Under-Represented Minorities in STEM 
                              Occupations

Sec. 131. Support for programs that increase the participation of women 
                            and under-represented minorities in 
                            science, technology, engineering, and 
                            mathematics occupations.
         TITLE II--WORKER, TRAINING, RETENTION, AND ADVANCEMENT

        Subtitle A--Development of Work-Based Learning Programs

Sec. 201. Purpose.
Sec. 202. Definitions.
Sec. 203. Grants authorized.
Sec. 204. Application process.
Sec. 205. Activities.
Sec. 206. Administration by the Secretary.
Sec. 207. Authorization of appropriations.
                        Subtitle B--Reemployment

Sec. 211. Requirement to provide reemployment bonus program under State 
                            unemployment compensation law.
Sec. 212. Coordinating State unemployment compensation programs with 
                            the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity 
                            Act.
Sec. 213. Permissible use of Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act 
                            funds for wage insurance.
Sec. 214. Training vouchers.
Sec. 215. Authorization of appropriations.
 TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRESSED COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AGENCY

Sec. 301. Definitions.
Sec. 302. Distressed community investment agency.
Sec. 303. Redesignation of Department of Commerce to Department of 
                            Innovation and Investment.
Sec. 304. Redesignation of Secretary of Commerce to Secretary of 
                            Innovation and Investment.
               TITLE IV--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

Sec. 401. Authorization of appropriations.

                   TITLE I--ADVANCING STEM EDUCATION

    Subtitle A--Expansion of Engineering Programs at Elementary and 
                           Secondary Schools

SEC. 101. GRANT PROGRAM.

    Part F of title IV of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 
1965 (20 U.S.C. 7251 et seq.) is amended--
            (1) in section 4601--
                    (A) in subsection (a), in the matter preceding 
                paragraph (1), by inserting ``(other than subpart 5)'' 
                before ``part''; and
                    (B) by adding at the end the following:
    ``(c) Authorization of Appropriations for Subpart 5.--There are 
authorized to be appropriated to carry out subpart 5--
            ``(1) $20,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2019 and 2020; 
        and
            ``(2) $21,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2021 and 
        2022.''; and
            (2) by adding at the end the following:

                   ``Subpart 5--Engineering Education

``SEC. 4651. GRANT PROGRAM AUTHORIZED.

    ``(a) In General.--From amounts appropriated under section 4601(c), 
the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible 
entities to implement formal and informal engineering education 
programs in elementary schools and secondary schools to--
            ``(1) teach students the overall analytical and 
        experimental approaches used in engineering and engineering 
        technology; and
            ``(2) increase participation of under-represented student 
        groups in the engineering and engineering technology pipeline.
    ``(b) Maximum Grant Amount.--A grant awarded under this subpart may 
not exceed $1,000,000.
    ``(c) Matching Funds.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under 
this subpart shall provide non-Federal funds in amount equal to the 
grant amount. Such non-Federal funds may include in-kind support (such 
as equipment, supplies, materials, and participation of personnel in 
the development and implementation of activities to be carried out 
under the grant).
    ``(d) Uses of Funds.--
            ``(1) In general.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
        under this subpart shall use such funds to carry out a program 
        that--
                    ``(A) provides engineering instructional materials 
                based on review and analysis of the effectiveness of 
                existing formal, or informal research-based and 
                evidence-based locally relevant instructional 
                materials;
                    ``(B) provides professional development for pre-
                service and in-service teachers to teach engineering;
                    ``(C) provides instructions on engineering and 
                engineering technology during normal classroom hours or 
                after school;
                    ``(D) incorporates evidence-based practices to 
                increase diversity of student groups participating in 
                the program;
                    ``(E) encourages participation of engineers from 
                local private and public organizations to mentor the 
                teachers and students; and
                    ``(F) encourages engineering faculty and students 
                from institutions of higher education as mentors for 
                the elementary school or secondary school students, and 
                teachers as appropriate.
            ``(2) Public-private partnerships.--Each eligible entity 
        awarded a grant under this subpart shall be encouraged to carry 
        out the program funded under the grant in partnership with one 
        or more of the following:
                    ``(A) Elementary schools or secondary schools 
                receiving assistance under this subpart.
                    ``(B) Institutions of higher education.
                    ``(C) Private sector businesses.
                    ``(D) Nonprofit organizations.
                    ``(E) Community-based organizations.
                    ``(F) Public or private entities with demonstrated 
                record of success in delivering educational support.
                    ``(G) Summer school programs.
    ``(e) Applications.--An application for a grant under this subpart 
submitted by an eligible entity shall demonstrate long-term commitment 
for the proposed program through--
            ``(1) providing laboratory and instructional space;
            ``(2) establishing ongoing professional training programs 
        for pre-service and in-service teachers and teachers in-
        residence; and
            ``(3) commitment to scaling successful programs for 
        engineering and engineering technology education in elementary 
        schools and secondary schools under the jurisdiction of the 
        eligible entity.
    ``(f) Priority.--In awarding grants under this subpart, the 
Secretary shall give priority to eligible entities that serve under-
represented minorities in engineering.
    ``(g) Definitions.--In this section:
            ``(1) Eligible entity.--The term `eligible entity' means--
                    ``(A) a consortia of local educational agencies; or
                    ``(B) a local educational agency that is not 
                receiving a subgrant under this subpart for the fiscal 
                year for which the agency is applying for a grant under 
                this subpart.
            ``(2) Instructional materials.--The term `instructional 
        materials' means materials that--
                    ``(A) emphasize--
                            ``(i) engineering fundamentals and 
                        concepts, problem-based learning; and
                            ``(ii) essential skills such as systems 
                        thinking, creativity, teamwork, communication, 
                        and ethical considerations;
                    ``(B) are designed to introduce students to modern 
                engineering and engineering technology tools such as 
                computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, 
                statistical analysis, codes and standards, human 
                factors, and reliability analysis; and
                    ``(C) are aligned with and integrated into relevant 
                science, engineering, and mathematics standards that 
                may exist in the applicable State or may be developed.

``SEC. 4652. ANNUAL REPORT TO CONGRESS.

    ``Not later than 1 year after the first grant is awarded under this 
subpart, and annually thereafter, the Secretary shall provide a report 
to Congress on activities and results under this subpart. Such reports 
shall describe--
            ``(1) the total number of grant applications received for 
        the preceding each year;
            ``(2) the number and geographic distribution of the grants 
        for such year and for all grants awarded under this subpart;
            ``(3) participation of minority-serving institutions of 
        higher education, such as historically Black colleges and 
        universities and Hispanic-serving institutions;
            ``(4) participation of under-represented and economically 
        disadvantaged student groups;
            ``(5) plans for collaboration among eligible entities 
        receiving a grant under this subpart;
            ``(6) overall program outcomes and issues of concern; and
            ``(7) recommendations for program revisions to achieve the 
        desired program outcome.''.

SEC. 102. TABLE OF CONTENTS.

    The table of contents in section 2 of the Elementary and Secondary 
Education Act of 1965 is amended by inserting after the item relating 
to section 4644 the following:

                   ``subpart 5--engineering education

``4651. Grant program authorized.
``4652. Annual report to Congress.''.

        Subtitle B--Expansion of Maker Education and Makerspaces

SEC. 110. DEFINITIONS.

    Section 3 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act 
of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2302) is amended by adding at the end the following:
            ``(35) Maker education.--The term `maker education' means a 
        hands-on learning approach that encourages students to imagine, 
        create, innovate, tinker, and collaborate through the process 
        of manufacturing, testing, and demonstrating their ideas.
            ``(36) Makerspace.--The term `makerspace' means a community 
        space that provides access to tools, technology, and knowledge 
        for learners and entrepreneurs, that result in the prototyping 
        or creation of physical goods, and which supports the 
        development of educational opportunities for personal growth, 
        workforce training, and early stage business ventures.''.

SEC. 111. STATE LEADERSHIP ACTIVITIES.

    Section 124 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2344) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(3)(D)(iii), by inserting before the 
        semicolon at the end the following: ``and maker education''; 
        and
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph 
                (16);
                    (B) by striking the period and inserting ``; and'' 
                at the end of paragraph (17); and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(18) support for maker education and makerspaces.''.

SEC. 112. LOCAL USES OF FUNDS.

    Section 135 of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education 
Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2355) is amended--
            (1) in subsection (b)(5)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
                (C);
                    (B) by adding ``and'' at the end of subparagraph 
                (D); and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(E) programs designed to train teachers 
                specifically in the effective use and application of 
                maker education and makerspaces;''; and
            (2) in subsection (c)--
                    (A) by striking ``and'' at the end of paragraph 
                (19);
                    (B) by redesignating paragraph (20) as paragraph 
                (21); and
                    (C) by inserting after paragraph (19), the 
                following:
            ``(20) to support maker education and makerspaces; and''.

 Subtitle C--Increasing Women and Under-Represented Minorities in STEM 
                              Occupations

SEC. 131. SUPPORT FOR PROGRAMS THAT INCREASE THE PARTICIPATION OF WOMEN 
              AND UNDER-REPRESENTED MINORITIES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, 
              ENGINEERING, AND MATHEMATICS OCCUPATIONS.

    Section 124(b) of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical 
Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 2344(b)) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (8), by striking ``and'' at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (9), by striking the period at the end and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(10) supporting programs that increase the participation 
        of women and under-represented minorities in career and 
        technical education programs leading to occupations in science, 
        technology, engineering, and mathematics.''.

         TITLE II--WORKER, TRAINING, RETENTION, AND ADVANCEMENT

        Subtitle A--Development of Work-Based Learning Programs

SEC. 201. PURPOSE.

    The purpose of this subtitle is to promote industry or sector 
partnerships that engage in collaborative planning, resource alignment, 
and training efforts across multiple businesses, for a range of workers 
employed or potentially employed by infrastructure industries, in order 
to encourage industry growth and competitiveness and to improve worker 
training, retention, and advancement.

SEC. 202. DEFINITIONS.

    In this subtitle:
            (1) Career and technical education; career guidance and 
        academic counseling.--The terms ``career and technical 
        education'' and ``career guidance and academic counseling'' 
        have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the Carl D. 
        Perkins Career and Technical Education Act of 2006 (20 U.S.C. 
        2302).
            (2) Career pathway.--The term ``career pathway'' has the 
        meaning given such term in section 3 of the Workforce 
        Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3102).
            (3) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means an 
        entity that is an industry or sector partnership, a nonprofit 
        workforce intermediary, or (with respect to an implementation 
        grant) an entity that is in the process of establishing an 
        industry or sector partnership.
            (4) Individual with a barrier to employment; industry or 
        sector partnership; local board.--The terms ``individual with a 
        barrier to employment'', ``industry or sector partnership'', 
        and ``local board'' have the meanings given such terms in 
        section 3 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
            (5) Recognized postsecondary credential; registered 
        apprenticeship program.--The terms ``recognized postsecondary 
        credential'' and ``registered apprenticeship program'' have the 
        meanings given such terms in such section.
            (6) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
        of Labor.
            (7) State; state board.--The terms ``State'' and ``State 
        board'' have the meanings given such terms in section 3 of the 
        Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
            (8) Targeted infrastructure industry.--The term ``targeted 
        infrastructure industry'' means an industry, including 
        transportation (including surface, transit, aviation, or 
        railway transportation), construction, energy, information 
        technology, manufacturing, or utilities industries, that the 
        eligible entity identifies in accordance with section 204(c) to 
        be served by a grant under this subtitle.
            (9) Work-based learning program.--The term ``work-based 
        learning program'' means a program (which may be a registered 
        apprenticeship program) that provides workers with paid work 
        experience and corresponding approved classroom instruction, 
        delivered in an employment relationship that both the employer 
        and worker intend to be permanent.

SEC. 203. GRANTS AUTHORIZED.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary, in consultation with the Secretary 
of Transportation, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Commerce, 
the Secretary of Education, the Administrator of the Environmental 
Protection Agency, and the Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of 
the Army Corps of Engineers, shall award, on a competitive basis, 
grants to eligible entities to plan and implement activities to achieve 
the strategic objectives described in section 204(d) with respect to a 
targeted infrastructure industry.
    (b) Grants.--
            (1) Types of grants.--A grant awarded under this subtitle 
        may be in the form of--
                    (A) an implementation grant, for entities seeking 
                an initial grant under this subtitle; or
                    (B) a renewal grant for entities that have already 
                received an implementation grant under this subtitle.
            (2) Duration.--Each grant awarded under this subtitle shall 
        be for a period not to exceed 3 years.
            (3) Amount.--The amount of a grant awarded under this 
        subtitle may not exceed--
                    (A) for an implementation grant, $2,500,000; and
                    (B) for a renewal grant, $1,500,000.
    (c) Award Basis.--
            (1) Geographic diversity.--The Secretary shall award grants 
        under this subtitle in a manner that ensures geographic 
        diversity in the areas in which activities will be carried out 
        under the grants.
            (2) Priority for renewal grants.--In awarding renewal 
        grants under this subtitle, the Secretary shall give priority 
        to eligible entities that--
                    (A) demonstrate long-term sustainability of an 
                industry or sector partnership or nonprofit workforce 
                intermediaries; and
                    (B) provide a non-Federal share of the cost of the 
                activities.

SEC. 204. APPLICATION PROCESS.

    (a) In General.--An eligible entity desiring a grant under this 
subtitle shall submit an application to the Secretary at such time, in 
such manner, and containing such information as the Secretary may 
require, including the contents described in subsection (b).
    (b) Contents.--An application submitted under this subtitle shall 
contain, at a minimum--
            (1) a description of the eligible entity, evidence of the 
        eligible entity's capacity to carry out activities to achieve 
        the strategic objectives described in subsection (d), and the 
        expected participation and responsibilities of each of the 
        partners included in the industry or sector partnership 
        involved;
            (2) a description of the targeted infrastructure industry 
        served by the grant, and a description of how such industry was 
        identified in accordance with subsection (c);
            (3) a description of the workers that will be targeted or 
        recruited by the partnership, including an analysis of the 
        existing labor market, a description of potential barriers to 
        employment for targeted workers, and a description of 
        strategies that will be employed to help workers overcome such 
        barriers;
            (4) a description of the strategic objectives described in 
        subsection (d) that the eligible entity intends to achieve 
        concerning the targeted infrastructure industry;
            (5) a description of the credentials that the eligible 
        entity proposes to use or develop as a performance measure, to 
        assess the degree to which the eligible entity has achieved 
        such strategic objectives, which credentials--
                    (A) shall be nationally portable;
                    (B) shall be recognized postsecondary credentials 
                or a registered apprenticeship; and
                    (C) shall be related to the targeted infrastructure 
                industry that the eligible entity proposes to support;
            (6) a description of the manner in which the eligible 
        entity intends to make sustainable progress towards achieving 
        such strategic objectives;
            (7) performance measures for measuring progress towards 
        achieving such strategic objectives;
            (8) a description of the Federal and non-Federal resources, 
        available under provisions of law other than this subtitle, 
        that will be leveraged in support of the partnerships and 
        activities under this subtitle;
            (9) a description of the recruiting tools used by the 
        eligible entity to recruit a diverse pool of workers and under-
        represented minorities in the infrastructure sector; and
            (10) a timeline for progress towards achieving such 
        strategic objectives.
    (c) Targeted Infrastructure Industry.--Each grant under this 
subtitle shall serve a targeted infrastructure industry that is 
identified by the eligible entity through working with businesses, 
industry associations and organizations, labor organizations, State 
boards, local boards, economic development agencies, and other 
organizations that the eligible entity determines necessary.
    (d) Strategic Objectives.--The activities to be carried out under 
each grant awarded under this subtitle shall be designed to achieve 
strategic objectives that include the following:
            (1) Recruiting key stakeholders in the targeted 
        infrastructure industry, such as multiple businesses, labor 
        organizations, local boards, and education and training 
        providers, including providers of career and technical 
        education, and regularly convening the stakeholders in a 
        collaborative structure that supports the sharing of 
        information, ideas, and challenges common to the targeted 
        infrastructure industry.
            (2) Identifying the training needs of multiple businesses 
        in the targeted infrastructure industry, including--
                    (A) needs for skills critical to competitiveness 
                and innovation in the industry;
                    (B) needs of the registered apprenticeship programs 
                or other work-based learning programs supported by the 
                grant; and
                    (C) needs for the usage of career pathways.
            (3) Facilitating actions that lead to economies of scale by 
        aggregating training and education needs of multiple 
        businesses.
            (4) Helping postsecondary educational institutions, 
        training institutions, sponsors of registered apprenticeship 
        programs, and all other providers of career and technical 
        education and training programs receiving assistance under this 
        subtitle, align curricula, entrance requirements, and programs 
        to the targeted infrastructure industry needs and the 
        credentials described in subsection (b)(6), particularly for 
        higher skill, high-priority occupations related to the targeted 
        infrastructure industry.
            (5) Providing information on the grant activities to the 
        State agency carrying out the State program under the Wagner-
        Peyser Act (29 U.S.C. 49 et seq.), including staff of the 
        agency that provide services under such Act, to enable the 
        agency to inform recipients of unemployment compensation of the 
        employment and training opportunities that may be offered 
        through the grant activities.
            (6) Helping partner businesses in industry or sector 
        partnerships to attract potential workers from a diverse 
        jobseeker base, including individuals with barriers to 
        employment, by identifying any such barriers through analysis 
        of the labor market and implementing strategies to help such 
        workers overcome such barriers.

SEC. 205. ACTIVITIES.

    (a) In General.--An eligible entity receiving a grant under this 
subtitle shall--
            (1) designate an entity in the industry or sector 
        partnership as the fiscal agent for the grant funds; and
            (2) carry out activities described in subsections (b) (as 
        applicable), (c), and (d) to achieve the strategic objectives 
        identified in the entity's application under section 204(b)(5), 
        in a manner that integrates services and funding sources to 
        ensure effectiveness of the activities and that uses the grant 
        funds efficiently.
    (b) Planning Activities.--An eligible entity receiving an 
implementation grant under this subtitle shall use not more than 
$250,000 of the grant funds to carry out planning activities during the 
first year of the grant period. Such activities may include--
            (1) establishing the industry or sector partnership;
            (2) convening key stakeholders as identified in the 
        application process;
            (3) conducting outreach to local businesses and business 
        associations; or
            (4) conducting an evaluation of workforce needs in the 
        local area.
    (c) Business Engagement.--An eligible entity receiving a grant 
under this subtitle shall use the grant funds to provide services to 
engage businesses in efforts to achieve the strategic objectives 
identified in the entity's application under section 204(b)(5). The 
services may include assisting businesses--
            (1) in navigating the registration process for a sponsor of 
        a registered apprenticeship program;
            (2) by connecting the business with an education provider, 
        including a provider of career and technical education, to 
        develop classroom instruction to complement on-the-job 
        learning;
            (3) in developing the curriculum design of a work-based 
        learning program;
            (4) in employing workers participating in a work-based 
        learning program for a transitional period before a business 
        hires the worker for full-time employment not less than 30 
        hours a week;
            (5) in providing training to managers and front-line 
        workers to serve as trainers or mentors to workers 
        participating in a work-based learning program;
            (6) in providing career awareness activities, such as 
        career guidance and academic counseling; and
            (7) in recruiting, for participation in a work-based 
        learning program, individuals eligible to receive additional 
        workforce or human services, including--
                    (A) individuals participating in programs under the 
                Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 
                3101 et seq.), and the amendments made by such Act, 
                including to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 
                701 et seq.);
                    (B) recipients of assistance through the 
                supplemental nutrition assistance program established 
                under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 
                et seq.);
                    (C) recipients of assistance through the program of 
                block grants to States for temporary assistance for 
                needy families established under part A of title IV of 
                the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 601 et seq.); or
                    (D) any other individuals with a barrier to 
                employment.
    (d) Support Services.--The eligible entity receiving a grant under 
this subtitle shall use the grant funds to provide services to support 
the success of individuals described in subsection (c)(7) who are 
participating in a work-based learning program for a period of not less 
than 12 months. Such services may include the following:
            (1) Pre-employment services.--Services, provided in a pre-
        employment stage of the program, to expand access to a work-
        based learning program for individuals described in subsection 
        (c)(7). Such services may include--
                    (A) skills training;
                    (B) career and technical education;
                    (C) initial assessments;
                    (D) providing work attire and necessary tools for a 
                work site;
                    (E) wrap-around services, such as child care and 
                transportation; and
                    (F) job placement assistance.
            (2) Early employment services.--Services provided to 
        individuals described in subsection (c)(7) who are 
        participating in a work-based learning program during their 
        first 6 months of employment through such program, to assure 
        the individuals succeed in the program. Such services may 
        include--
                    (A) ongoing case management and support services, 
                including the services provided in the pre-employment 
                stage described in paragraph (1);
                    (B) continued skills training, including career and 
                technical education, conducted in collaboration with 
                employers of such individuals;
                    (C) additional mentorship and retention supports 
                for such individuals;
                    (D) targeted training for frontline managers, 
                journey level workers working with such individuals 
                (such as mentors), and human resource representatives 
                within the business where such individuals are placed; 
                and
                    (E) subsidized wages and benefits for a period of 
                not more than 6 months, during which the eligible 
                entities shall serve as the employers of record of such 
                individuals.
            (3) Employment services.--Services to ensure the 
        individuals described in paragraph (2) maintain employment in 
        the work-based learning program for at least 12 months. The 
        services shall include support necessary to complete the work-
        based learning program, such as continuation of mentoring and 
        support services provided under paragraph (2).
    (e) Evaluation and Progress Reports.--Not later than 1 year after 
receiving a grant under this subtitle, and annually thereafter, the 
eligible entity receiving the grant shall submit a report to the 
Secretary and the Governor of the State that the eligible entity 
serves, that--
            (1) describes the activities funded by the grant; and
            (2) evaluates the progress the eligible entity has made 
        towards achieving the strategic objectives identified under 
        section 204(b)(5).
    (f) Administrative Costs.--An eligible entity may use not more than 
5 percent of the funds awarded through a grant under this subtitle for 
administrative expenses in carrying out this section.

SEC. 206. ADMINISTRATION BY THE SECRETARY.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary may use not more than 10 percent of 
the amount appropriated under section 207 for each fiscal year for 
administrative expenses to carry out this subtitle, including the 
expenses of providing the technical assistance and oversight activities 
under subsection (b).
    (b) Technical Assistance; Oversight.--The Secretary shall provide 
technical assistance and oversight to assist the eligible entities in 
applying for and administering grants awarded under this subtitle.

SEC. 207. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated $350,000,000 to carry out 
this subtitle through fiscal year 2023.

                        Subtitle B--Reemployment

SEC. 211. REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE REEMPLOYMENT BONUS PROGRAM UNDER STATE 
              UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION LAW.

    (a) In General.--Section 303 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 
503) is amended by adding at the end the following:
    ``(n)(1) For purposes of subsection (a), the State law of a State 
must provide for a reemployment bonus program, to be approved by the 
Secretary of Labor, under which a reemployment bonus, in an amount 
specified under paragraph (2), shall be paid, immediately following the 
end of the 16-week period described in subparagraph (B), to any 
individual described in paragraph (3) who--
            ``(A) becomes employed by an employer other than the 
        individual's most recent employer not later than 12 weeks after 
        the date of the individual's initial claim for unemployment 
        compensation; and
            ``(B) remains employed by such employer for a period of at 
        least 16 consecutive weeks.
    ``(2) The amount of a reemployment bonus paid to an individual 
under paragraph (1) shall be an amount equal to \1/2\ of the difference 
between the total amount of regular compensation that would be payable 
to the individual during the benefit year under the State law if the 
individual were not employed in any week of such benefit year and the 
total amount of such regular compensation paid to the individual during 
the benefit year prior the week in which the individual becomes 
employed as described in paragraph (1)(A).
    ``(3) An individual described in this paragraph is an individual 
who--
            ``(A) is eligible for unemployment compensation for the 
        week before the week in which the individual becomes employed 
        as described in paragraph (1)(A); and
            ``(B) has been identified under subsection (j) as an 
        individual likely to exhaust regular compensation.
    ``(4) In this subsection, the terms `regular compensation' and 
`benefit year' have the meanings given such terms in section 205 of the 
Federal-State Extended Unemployment Compensation Act of 1970 (26 U.S.C. 
3304 note).''.
    (b) Effective Date.--The amendment made by subsection (a) shall, 
with respect to a State, apply to certifications for payment under 
section 302(a) of the Social Security Act in years beginning after the 
end of the 26-week period beginning on the first day of the first 
regularly scheduled session of the State legislature beginning on or 
after the date of the enactment of this Act.

SEC. 212. COORDINATING STATE UNEMPLOYMENT COMPENSATION PROGRAMS WITH 
              THE WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT.

    (a) Referrals to WIOA Services.--Section 303(j)(1)(B) of the Social 
Security Act (42 U.S.C. 503(j)(1)(B)) is amended by striking ``job 
search assistance services'' and inserting ``job search assistance, 
training assistance, job relocation support, and income support 
services,''.
    (b) Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments.--Section 
306(b)(3) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 306(b)(3)) is amended 
by striking ``program integration and service delivery'' and inserting 
``program integration, service delivery, support services, and 
availability of training assistance''.

SEC. 213. PERMISSIBLE USE OF WORKFORCE INNOVATION AND OPPORTUNITY ACT 
              FUNDS FOR WAGE INSURANCE.

    (a) In General.--Chapter 3 of subtitle B of title I of the 
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3171 et seq.) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:

``SEC. 135. PERMISSIBLE USE OF FUNDS FOR WAGE INSURANCE.

    ``(a) Wage Insurance for State Unemployment Compensation 
Recipients.--A State may use funds allotted to the State under this 
chapter to provide a wage insurance program for individuals who file a 
claim under any State unemployment compensation law.
    ``(b) Benefits.--The wage insurance program provided for in 
subsection (a) may pay, for a period not to exceed 2 years, to a worker 
described in subsection (c), up to 50 percent of the difference 
between--
            ``(1) the average of the wages received by the worker over 
        the last twelve months of employment; and
            ``(2) the wages received by the worker from reemployment.
    ``(c) Individual Eligibility.--The benefits described in subsection 
(b) may be paid to an individual who is a claimant for unemployment 
compensation at the time such individual obtains reemployment and who--
            ``(1) is at least 50 years of age, or 45 years of age if 
        such individual lives in a distressed community;
            ``(2) earns not more than $50,000 per year in wages from 
        reemployment;
            ``(3) is employed on a full-time basis as defined by the 
        law of the State; and
            ``(4) is not employed by the employer from which the 
        individual was last separated.
    ``(d) Total Amount of Payments.--A State shall establish a maximum 
amount of payments per individual for purposes of payments described in 
subsection (b) during the eligibility period described in such 
subsection. An employee shall report an increase in wages during the 
two-year period of participating in the wage insurance program and 
their total amount of payments shall reflect any modification.
    ``(e) Non-Discrimination Regarding Wages.--An employer shall not 
pay a worker described in subsection (c) less than such employer pays 
to another worker in the same or substantially equivalent position.
    ``(f) Distressed Community Defined.--The term `distressed 
community' means a geographic unit, as defined by the Secretary of 
Commerce, with--
            ``(1) a low per capita income;
            ``(2) an unemployment rate below the national average; or
            ``(3) actual or threatened severe unemployment or economic 
        adjustment problems.''.
    (b) Authorization of Appropriations.--Section 136 of the Workforce 
Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3181) is amended by adding at 
the end the following:
    ``(d) Wage Insurance Activities.--There are authorized to be 
appropriated to carry out the activities described in section 135 such 
sums as may be necessary for fiscal year 2023 and each fiscal year 
thereafter.''.

SEC. 214. TRAINING VOUCHERS.

    (a) Reference.--In this section, any reference to a section or 
other provision shall be a reference to the Workforce Innovation and 
Opportunity Act.
    (b) Functions of the State Board.--Section 101(d)(3) is amended--
            (1) in subparagraph (F), by striking ``; and'' and 
        inserting a semicolon;
            (2) in subparagraph (G), by striking the period and 
        inserting ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(H) the development of strategies to promote the 
                integration of workforce development services to 
                unemployment insurance claimants.''.
    (c) Programs and Activities in State Plans.--Section 103(a)(2) is 
amended by adding at the end the following:
                    ``(L) the employment and training assistance 
                authorized in this Act; and
                    ``(M) the job search support services authorized in 
                this Act.''.
    (d) Local Plans.--Section 108(b) is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (21), by striking ``; and'' and inserting 
        a semicolon;
            (2) in paragraph (22), by striking the period and inserting 
        ``; and''; and
            (3) by adding at the end the following:
            ``(23) a description of how training assistance will be 
        administered.''.
    (e) Required Local Employment and Training Activities for Adults 
and Dislocated Workers.--
            (1) Training vouchers.--Section 134(c)(3) is amended--
                    (A) in subparagraph (A)(i)--
                            (i) by inserting ``a voucher for'' after 
                        ``used to provide''; and
                            (ii) by redesignating subclauses (II), 
                        (III), and (IV) as subclauses (III), (IV), and 
                        (V), and inserting after subclause (I) the 
                        following:
                                    ``(II) who select programs of 
                                training services that are linked to 
                                employment opportunities.'';
                    (B) in subparagraph (F)--
                            (i) in clause (iii), by deleting the clause 
                        heading and inserting ``Training vouchers.--'' 
                        and by striking ``through an individual 
                        training account'' and inserting ``through a 
                        training voucher''; and
                            (ii) in clause (iv), by striking 
                        ``coordinate funding for individual training 
                        accounts with funding from other Federal, 
                        State, local, or private job training programs 
                        or source'' and inserting ``and arrange for 
                        payment for such services through a training 
                        voucher. Such payments may not exceed $8,000 
                        for up to two years.''; and
                    (C) in subparagraph (G)(i), and by striking 
                ``individual training accounts'' and inserting 
                ``training vouchers''.
            (2) Income support.--Section 134(d)(1)(B) is amended--
                    (A) in clause (i), by inserting ``provide income 
                support for those adults and dislocated workers 
                participating in a training program'' after ``enhancing 
                employment'';
                    (B) in clause (ii), by; and
                    (C) by adding at the end the following:
                            ``(iii) Duration and amounts.--The income 
                        support provided under clause (i) to 
                        individuals who are enrolled in training a 
                        weekly income stipend for up to 78 weeks after 
                        such individual exhausts unemployment insurance 
                        benefits, to help cover training-related costs 
                        like childcare or transportation. A 
                        participant's weekly stipend will be equal to 
                        100 percent or 50 percent of their unemployment 
                        insurance weekly benefit amount depending on 
                        whether, at the time of participation, their 
                        household income is below or above 130 percent 
                        of the Federal poverty level.''.
            (3) Sense of congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
        additional funds should be appropriated under subsections (b) 
        and (c) of section 136 of the Workforce Innovation and 
        Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3181) to carry out the activities 
        added to section 134 of the Workforce Innovation and 
        Opportunity Act (29 U.S.C. 3174) by the amendments made by this 
        subsection.

SEC. 215. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    Section 137 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (29 
U.S.C. 2872) is amended in each of subsections (b) and (c) by striking 
``2003'' and inserting ``2023''.

 TITLE III--ESTABLISHMENT OF THE DISTRESSED COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AGENCY

SEC. 301. DEFINITIONS.

    In this title:
            (1) Agency.--The term ``agency'' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 551 of title 5, United States Code.
            (2) Distressed community.--The term ``distressed 
        community'' means a geographic unit, as defined by the 
        Secretary of Commerce, with--
                    (A) a low per capita income;
                    (B) an unemployment rate below the national 
                average; or
                    (C) actual or threatened severe unemployment or 
                economic adjustment problems.
            (3) Institution of higher education.--The term 
        ``institution of higher education'' has the meaning given that 
        term in section 101(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 
        U.S.C. 1001(a)).
            (4) State.--The term ``State'' means any State of the 
        United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of 
        Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, the 
        Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and any 
        possession of the United States.

SEC. 302. DISTRESSED COMMUNITY INVESTMENT AGENCY.

    (a) In General.--There is established the Distressed Community 
Investment Agency within the Department of Commerce one year after the 
date of the enactment of this Act with the mission of promoting, 
establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in 
distressed communities, including expenses of grants, contracts, and 
other agreements with public or private entities.
    (b) Functions.--The Distressed Community Investment Agency shall--
            (1) coordinate the plans, programs, and operations of the 
        Federal Government which affect or may contribute to the 
        promotion, establishment, and strengthening of venture capital 
        investment in distressed communities;
            (2) promote the mobilization of activities and resources of 
        State and local governments, businesses and trade associations, 
        institutions of higher education, foundations, professional 
        organizations, and volunteer and other groups towards the 
        promotion, establishment, and strengthening of venture capital 
        investment in distressed communities;
            (3) facilitate the coordination of the efforts of groups 
        described in paragraph (2) with those of agencies;
            (4) establish satellite centers in distressed communities 
        across the United States for the development, collection, 
        summarization, and dissemination of information helpful to 
        persons, State and local governments, businesses and trade 
        associations, institutions of higher education, foundations, 
        professional organizations, and volunteer and other groups in 
        undertaking or promoting venture capital investment in 
        distressed communities;
            (5) make grants, including contracts and cooperative 
        agreements, to any State government or any agency thereof, any 
        regional entity, any State-chartered development, any 
        institution of higher education, or to any entity formed by two 
        or more of the above entities to assist in establishing the 
        satellite centers described in paragraph (4);
            (6) provide technical and management assistance to public 
        or private entities or organizations engaged in promoting, 
        establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in 
        distressed communities through workforce development and 
        retention, attracting businesses and industries, fostering 
        innovation, accelerating entrepreneurship and business growth, 
        and marketing local, State, and regional ecosystems; and
            (7) defray all or part of the costs of pilot or 
        demonstration projects conducted by public or private entities 
        or organizations which are designed to overcome the unique 
        challenge of promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture 
        capital investment in distressed communities, or otherwise to 
        further the purposes of this Act.
    (c) Responsibilities of the Secretary of Commerce.--The Secretary 
of Commerce, to enable the Distressed Community Investment Agency to 
better execute the functions described in this section and with the 
participation of the Economic Development Administration and other 
agencies, as appropriate, shall--
            (1) develop comprehensive plans and specific program goals 
        for the Distressed Community Investment Agency;
            (2) establish regular performance monitoring and reporting 
        systems to assure that goals are being achieved;
            (3) evaluate the impact of Federal support in achieving the 
        objectives established by this title;
            (4) require a coordinated review of all proposed Federal 
        training and technical assistance activities in support of 
        promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital 
        investment in distressed communities to assure consistency with 
        the program goals of the Distressed Community Investment Agency 
        and to avoid duplication;
            (5) convene, for purposes of coordination, meetings of the 
        heads of agencies, or their designees, whose programs and 
        activities may affect or contribute to the purposes of this 
        title;
            (6) convene economic development organizations, venture 
        capitalists, startup founders, entrepreneurs, chambers of 
        commerce, and other representatives of the private sector who 
        are engaged in growing venture capital investment in distressed 
        communities or who could contribute to this growth to propose, 
        evaluate, and coordinate governmental and private activities in 
        furtherance of the objectives of this title;
            (7) confer with and advise officials of State and local 
        governments;
            (8) provide the managerial and organizational framework 
        through which joint or collaborative undertakings with agencies 
        or private organizations can be planned and implemented; and
            (9) recommend appropriate legislative or executive actions.
    (d) Responsibilities of Other Agencies.--
            (1) Cooperation.--The head of each agency, or a 
        representative designated by such head, when and in the manner 
        so requested by the Secretary of Commerce, shall furnish 
        information, assistance, and reports to, and shall otherwise 
        cooperate with, the Distressed Community Investment Agency.
            (2) Designation of agency contact.--The head of each agency 
        shall, when so requested by the Secretary of Commerce, 
        designate the official to have primary and continuing 
        responsibility for the participation and cooperation of that 
        department or agency in matters related to promoting, 
        establishing, and strengthening venture capital investment in 
        distressed communities.
            (3) Agency contact duties.--Each official designated 
        pursuant to paragraph (2), when so requested, shall keep the 
        Secretary of Commerce informed of all proposed budgets, plans, 
        and programs of the agency of that official related to 
        promoting, establishing, and strengthening venture capital 
        investment in distressed communities.
            (4) Continuing role of agencies.--Each agency shall 
        continue all efforts to promote, establish, and strengthen 
        venture capital investment in distressed communities, and shall 
        cooperate with the Secretary of Commerce in increasing the 
        total Federal effort.
    (e) Reports.--
            (1) Reports required by satellite centers.--Not later than 
        September 30 of each year, each satellite center shall submit 
        to the Secretary of Commerce a report on the activities of the 
        center, including the following:
                    (A) The center's performance in implementing the 
                plans and meeting the specific program goals set for 
                the prior fiscal year.
                    (B) The plans and specific program goals of the 
                center for the next fiscal year.
                    (C) Completed and ongoing joint and collaborative 
                undertakings with the groups described in subsection 
                (b)(2).
                    (D) The services most used by the center.
                    (E) Recommendations for improving the quality, 
                utility, and delivery of services offered by the 
                Distressed Community Investment Agency.
                    (F) Any other information requested by the 
                Secretary of Commerce.
            (2) Reports by the secretary of commerce.--Not later than 
        one year after the date of the enactment of this title and 
        every March 31 thereafter, the Secretary of Commerce shall 
        submit to Congress a report on the following:
                    (A) The activities of the Distressed Community 
                Investment Agency.
                    (B) The location of new and existing satellite 
                centers.
                    (C) The performance of the Distressed Community 
                Investment Agency in implementing the plans and meeting 
                the specific program goals set for the prior fiscal 
                year.
                    (D) The plans and specific program goals for the 
                next fiscal year.
                    (E) Expenses of grants, contracts, and other 
                agreements with public or private entities.
                    (F) Completed and ongoing joint or collaborative 
                undertakings with agencies and the groups described in 
                subsection (b)(2).
                    (G) Meetings convened by the Secretary with heads 
                of agencies, representatives of the private sector, or 
                officials of State and local governments.
                    (H) A review and evaluation of the impact of 
                Federal support in achieving the objectives established 
                by this title.
                    (I) Recommendations for legislation or other action 
                determined to be desirable to promote the purposes of 
                this title.
            (3) Reports by other agencies.--The head of each agency 
        shall--
                    (A) develop and implement systematic data 
                collection processes to provide the Distressed 
                Community Investment Agency current data helpful in 
                evaluating efforts to promote, establish, and 
                strengthen venture capital investment in distressed 
                communities; and
                    (B) not later than September 30 of each year, 
                submit to the Secretary of Commerce a report on efforts 
                to promote, establish, and strengthen venture capital 
                investment in distressed communities through workforce 
                development and retention, attracting businesses and 
                industries, fostering innovation, accelerating 
                entrepreneurship and business growth, and marketing 
                local, State, and regional ecosystems.
    (f) Technical and Conforming Amendment.--Section 12 of the Act of 
February 14, 1903 (15 U.S.C. 1511), is amended--
            (1) in paragraph (4), by inserting a semicolon at the end;
            (2) in paragraph (5), by striking ``; and'' and inserting a 
        semicolon;
            (3) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and
            (4) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following new 
        paragraph:
            ``(6) Distressed Community Investment Agency; and''.

SEC. 303. REDESIGNATION OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE TO DEPARTMENT OF 
              INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Department of Commerce is hereby redesignated 
the Department of Innovation and Investment.
    (b) References.--Any reference to the Department of Commerce in any 
law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other 
official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this title 
shall be considered to refer and apply to the Department of Innovation 
and Investment.

SEC. 304. REDESIGNATION OF SECRETARY OF COMMERCE TO SECRETARY OF 
              INNOVATION AND INVESTMENT.

    (a) In General.--The Secretary of Commerce is hereby redesignated 
the Secretary of Innovation and Investment.
    (b) References.--Any reference to the Secretary of Commerce in any 
law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, instruction, or other 
official paper in force on the date of the enactment of this title 
shall be considered to refer and apply to the Secretary of Innovation 
and Investment.

               TITLE IV--AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS

SEC. 401. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.

    There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Labor 
and the Secretary of Education such sums as may be necessary to carry 
out each Secretary's responsibilities under this Act.
                                 <all>