Miller-Meeks Introduces Bill to Empower Iowa Employers and Close Skills Gap

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) introduced H.R. 2690, the Improve Employer-Directed Skills Act, legislation that empowers Iowa employers to partner directly with workforce boards and train and upskill workers for the jobs they need to fill.

“In communities across Iowa, from our river counties to our rural towns, employers are looking for workers—and workers are looking for opportunity. I’m proud to lead this initiative because it cuts through Washington red tape and puts Iowa businesses in the driver’s seat,” said Miller-Meeks. “If employers know what skills are needed, let’s let them train for it. We don’t need top-down mandates—we need to trust our employers, support our workers, and give both the tools to succeed.”

Background:

The Improve Employer-Directed Skills Act updates the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to:

• Allow local boards and employers to align skills development for current and future in demand needs.
• Empower employers to invest in training and allow them to hiring successful participants
• Streamlines and establishes a local pipeline for qualified and needed workforce

By removing red tape and empowering employers to shape and co-invest in training programs, the bill strengthens Iowa’s workforce and keeps local economies competitive. Workers gain practical, in-demand skills and industry-recognized credentials, while businesses get the talent they need to grow.

A version of this bill was included in H.R. 6655, the Stronger Workforce for America Act, which passed the House with bipartisan support.

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