As the first year of the 118th Congress comes to an end there have been numerous reports highlighting that this Congress has been on a sluggish pace in passing legislation and has been the least productive since the Great Depression. In this polarized environment it can feel at times that our advocacy efforts are not making an impact. However, it is important to take a step back and celebrate the small wins, while remembering that successful advocacy engagements require constant communications and ways in which to engage with lawmakers and staff to reinforce our messages and strengthen relationships.
We began the year by meeting with offices of freshman lawmakers to tell them about the great work that Goodwills are conducting in their communities. In the spring, we hosted advocates from all over the country during our annual Goodwill on the Hill event. Attendees spoke with lawmakers about investing in workforce programs, creating a universal charitable deduction, and reauthorizing the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). During the summer, lawmakers were back in their districts and had an opportunity to visit local Goodwill organizations and see their mission in action. Fall activities centered around voter registration and mobilization.
On the legislative front, Goodwill is supportive of several bills pertaining to asset development, skills development, job creation, and workforce investments. Via our coalition work, we have garnered support for the Charitable Act which creates a universal charitable deduction for all taxpayers, and the Streamlining Federal Grants Act which seeks to improve the effectiveness and performance of federal grants and cooperative agreements, simplify the application and reporting requirements, and facilitate greater coordination among federal agencies responsible for delivering services to the public. We have been successful in protecting funding for key workforce programs including the Senior Community Service Employment Program and have engaged in numerous conversations with key bipartisan offices regarding WIOA reauthorization, which recently passed out of the House Education and Workforce Committee.
There is plenty of work to be done in 2024 when Congress returns from the second session. WIOA needs to be taken up in the Senate, the Farm Bill which includes the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program needs to be reauthorized, appropriation bills need to be approved, and planning for fiscal year 2025 budgets and community project funding must being. And all of this must occur before lawmakers hit the campaign trail.
Thank you for your continued advocacy this year and for the many ways in which you will support our efforts in the year ahead. Your voice matters to Goodwill, the people we serve, and our collective impact in strong.
