House passes Chavez-DeRemer bills to improve addiction treatment, boost digital skills training in adult education
WASHINGTON (KTVZ) – The U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday passed H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act. The bipartisan package, which seeks to support workers and expand economic opportunity, includes two bills led by Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer (OR-05).
Here's Chavez-DeRemer's news release about the legislation:
The Opioid Crisis Workforce Act (H.R. 6587) would improve information sharing and training for workers involved in the prevention and treatment of substance use and behavioral health disorders. Separately, the Investing in Digital Skills Act (H.R. 6631) would integrate digital literacy as a key element of adult education programs.
“One of my top priorities has been finding pathways to address the damage Measure 110 inflicted on the 5th District and communities across Oregon. Now more than ever, workers on the frontlines of addiction treatment and recovery need our support. My Opioid Crisis Workforce Act will help fill the gap in needed care by improving training, bolstering information sharing, and expanding grant opportunities. This commonsense proposal will equip workers and ensure they have more resources to help those with substance use and behavioral health disorders.
“Additionally, digital literacy is critical for building a well-rounded workforce. That’s why I’m proud to co-lead the Investing in Digital Skills Act, which will empower students, workers, and families by expanding the teaching of the digital skills that are needed to succeed and advance in their careers. I’m glad both of these bills have passed the House and will continue working to get them signed into law,” Chavez-DeRemer said.
The Opioid Crisis Workforce Act would require the Department of Labor to share information on best practices with state and local areas struggling with substance use disorders, streamline these communities’ ability to apply for grant funding, and codify DOL’s ability to award grants for upskilling workers in the fields of addiction treatment and recovery. This would include street medicine providers who can administer care for substance use and behavioral health disorders directly to those in need, including homeless individuals. Full text of the bill is available HERE.
The Digital Skills Act, which Chavez-DeRemer co-led with Rep. Derek Kilmer (WA-06), would ensure that adult education programs are better equipped to prepare individuals for the evolving demands of the digital economy. The goal is to enhance training opportunities to help improve employability for students and workers. Full text of the bill is available HERE.
