Virginia lawmakers propose bill for digital skills education

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) – Two Virginia lawmakers say 90% of today’s jobs require some form of digital skills that a third of people don’t have. Their proposed solution involves using money already set aside for workforce development.

Representative Eugene Vindman, a Democrat representing Virginia’s 7th District, said he has visited schools throughout his district and believes students need better preparation for today’s job market.

“This is about providing them the resources and through these programs to make sure that they’re ready to enter the workforce on day one and live the American dream,” Vindman said.

Vindman, along with Virginia Democratic Senator Tim Kaine and California Republican Representative David Valadao, introduced the “Digital Skills for Today’s Workforce Act.” The bill aims to make digital skills an integrated part of American education from kindergarten through higher education.

The legislation targets money from the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, known as WIOA.

Kaine said lawmakers hope the bill will be included when WIOA is reauthorized next year.

“Often people who have struggled to find meaningful work or are in lower income communities are really at a deficit in these skills,” Kaine said.

Kaine said the bill would allow already set aside funds to be used toward digital education programs and grants nationwide. The programs would focus on basic skills needed for most jobs.

“Things like helping people do spreadsheets, emails, all kinds of other things that you need to succeed in virtually any job in the country,” Kaine said.

Vindman said the programs should be standard across all states and school districts to prevent students from falling behind.

“Although some of these programs can be done at state, as far as the equity component, making sure the rural and underserved areas get the same resources as the urban areas and the suburban areas, that’s where the federal government can apply its vast resources,” Vindman said.

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