In May 2023, the WTS International Board of Directors members approved the organization's formal Legislative and Regulatory Priorities and Issue Areas.

The brief provides information on WTS federal legislative focus areas that support the association's strategic advocacy goals, including:

• Developing a workforce that can tackle the challenges and opportunities of a complex, diverse, and globalized society,
• Driving conversation and education that supports women and strives for a safe, efficient, equitable, and sustainable transportation system,
• Being a leading voice of influence in the national dialogue around the desired state of transportation,
• Engaging in policy development that advances policies that support women and diverse workforce development, and
• Supporting women-owned and small businesses through mentorship, engagement, training, and advocacy initiatives so that women and small businesses can grow and increase access to a broader world of opportunities.

The legislative and regulatory priorities will drive WTS International’s advocacy work, with the Legislative Committee advising on specific legislation to support. Key updates and progress reports will be made available to WTS members throughout the year.

 

View the Full Document

 

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Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition

WTS International is a member of the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which advocates for beneficial workforce development policy that would strengthen the economy now and into the future.

The Coalition supports the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477), which would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and professional certifications; it would provide valuable tax-advantaged resources to more workers pursuing career growth, mid-career changes or alternative career pathways.

Tomorrow's Workforce Coalition Support of S. 722 / H.R. 1477
27 September 2023  | Congressional Letter

House Ways and Means Committee Approves H.R. 8915
9 July 2024 | Read the Opening Statement Here.
Section 3 of H.R. 8915 encompasses a revised version the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722), which would permit beneficiaries of 529 savings accounts to use the funds in those accounts to cover costs associated with obtaining and maintaining post-secondary credentials, including professional certifications and occupational licenses.
 

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Recently Submitted Comments

USDOT Request for Information: Equity Action Plan Update
30 June, 2023 | Docket No. DOT-OST-2023-0087

USDOT Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Implementation Modifications
31 October, 2022 | Docket No. DOT-OST-2022-0051

 

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WTS Policy Symposium

WTS International gathers public, private, and non-profit leaders to discuss key decisions in transportation policymaking, affecting gender, equity, workforce development, and community engagement.  The 2024 WTS Policy Symposium was held March 7-8, 2024 in Washington, D.C. Learn More.