A proposed nearly $14 billion fiscal year 2025 budget for the federal Department of Labor is crucial to “growing a worker-centered economy from the bottom up and the middle out by creating pathways to good jobs.”
So remarked Julie Sun, the acting Secretary of Labor, in testimony promoting President Biden’s recommendations for the agency, which are up from the $11 billion allotted to the agency in fiscal year 2021.
Su said that the Labor Department is continuing to push for “expanding equitable opportunities, while empowering and protecting workers and their families.”
Speaking before the Senate Subcommittee on Labor, Health, and Human Services and Education Committee on Appropriations, Su said that the fiscal year budget will include new job training efforts via the $8 billion Career Training Fund, and a new $50 million investment in what is called the Career Training for Occupational Readiness program.
Both of those initiatives, said Su, “will support the development and expansion of public-private partnerships between employers, education, and training providers, as well as community-based groups to deliver job training on growing industries.”
Su also noted that the new budget invests up to $335 million for “apprenticeship programs, increasing access for underrepresented groups, including women of color, and individuals with a disability, and diversifying the industry sectors involved.”
“The Department continues making progress on the President’s goal to serve at least one million apprentices annually within ten years, advancing racial and gender equity, and supporting historically underserved and marginalized communities,” remarked Su.
The new budget additionally includes an increase of just over $23 million from the last fiscal year for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. That funding, said Su, helps that department to maintain its enforcement presence.
Su noted that funding for OSHA supports “improving workplace safety and health across the country.” Additionally, she remarked “the agency will continue to carry out critical enforcement and whistleblower programs, standard-setting activities, and compliance assistance programs.”
Su has been serving as acting Labor Department Secretary since early 2023, after the resignation of then-Secretary Marty Walsh. Su’s confirmation has stalled in the Senate, prompting some lawmakers to call for her resignation. Earlier this month, California Republican Congressman Kevin Riley said a new secretary should be nominated “who can go through the process and be confirmed by the Senate.”
By Garry Boulard
Image credit: Courtesy of Department of Labor