CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025
- Sponsor
- Sen. Rosen, Jacky [D-NV]
- Committees
- Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jan 22, 2025
Bottom line
The CONSTRUCTS Act of 2025 seeks to address workforce shortages in residential construction by funding educational institutions to develop and expand training programs, particularly for rural and underserved communities.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) to establish a new competitive grant program. The program, administered by the Secretary of Labor in consultation with the Secretary of Education, aims to expand the capacity of junior or community colleges and area career and technical education schools to provide training, education, and outreach for careers in the residential construction industry. It prioritizes entities serving rural areas or underserved populations and authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2025-2029.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill directly addresses the critical shortage of skilled labor in the residential construction sector, which contributes to housing affordability challenges. By investing in community colleges and technical schools, especially in rural and underserved areas, the bill would create pathways to well-paying jobs, upskill incumbent workers, and encourage youth to enter a vital industry, ultimately increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the goal is laudable, a new federal grant program might duplicate existing workforce development efforts under WIOA or other federal programs, potentially leading to administrative inefficiencies rather than streamlined support. Some might also question the effectiveness of a competitive grant program versus more direct funding mechanisms or tax incentives for businesses to train workers.
The bill is concise and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick and informed evaluation.
Section 2(a)(2), adding WIOA Section 172(b)
Establishment of Competitive Grant Program
This provision directs the Secretary of Labor, in consultation with the Secretary of Education, to create a competitive grant program. The purpose of these grants is to help junior or community colleges and area career and technical education schools expand their ability to offer training, education, and outreach activities specifically for careers in the residential construction industry. Grants will be awarded for up to four years.
Supporters argue
Supporters contend that a dedicated grant program is necessary to focus resources on the specific needs of the residential construction workforce, ensuring that educational institutions have the capacity to meet industry demands and provide relevant training.
Critics contend
Some might argue that creating a new, separate grant program adds complexity to the existing federal workforce development landscape, potentially leading to fragmentation rather than integration of services.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between creating a targeted program for a specific industry need versus integrating such efforts within broader, existing workforce development frameworks to avoid duplication and administrative overhead.
Section 2(a)(2), adding WIOA Section 172(f)(1)
Mandated Activities for Grant Recipients
Grant recipients are required to use funds for several key activities. These include creating or expanding evidence-based education and training programs for various residential construction skills (e.g., carpentry, plumbing, HVAC), developing programs for incumbent construction workers, forming partnerships with local construction businesses and community organizations (with a focus on fair wages and underserved populations), and conducting outreach to elementary and secondary students about construction careers, potentially through dual enrollment programs.
Section 2(a)(2), adding WIOA Section 172(e)
Grant Priority for Rural and Underserved Communities
This provision mandates that the Secretary of Labor give priority in awarding grants to eligible entities that serve rural areas or underserved populations. Underserved populations are defined to include groups underrepresented in construction, low-income individuals, those with barriers to employment, and veterans.