Representatives Stephanie Bice of Oklahoma and Sara Jacobs of California introduced the bipartisan Workforce Education and Partnership Act on Mar. 25. The proposed legislation would expand three existing grant programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to encourage new partnerships between employers and educational institutions, aiming to address critical job vacancies identified by state and local workforce boards.
The bill is intended to respond to increasing college tuition costs while helping communities meet workforce needs. “The price of college tuition continues to skyrocket, yet we have unmet workforce needs throughout our communities,” said Congresswoman Bice. “This legislation will support public private partnership programs and equip states with the tools they need to meet demand. Career tech programs help address these shortages and boost local production. We must continue to support them.”
Jacobs said: “Across the country, a growing disconnect between institutions of higher education and the workforce leads to critical jobs unfilled and too many workers without clear pathways to stable, good-paying careers. I’m proud to co-lead the re-introduction of the Workforce and Education Partnership Act to bring employers and educational institutions together and meet the demands of today’s economy. This legislation will embolden our skilled workforce, expand opportunity, and drive sustainable economic growth in our communities.”
Stephanie Bice currently serves in the U.S. Congress representing Oklahoma’s 5th district after replacing Kendra Horn in 2021 according to official records. She has served in this role since 2021 following her tenure in the Oklahoma Senate from 2014 through 2020 as reported by legislative history sources.
Bice was born in Oklahoma City in 1973, is currently aged 49, resides there today, according to biographical data provided by her office. She graduated from Oklahoma State University at Stillwater with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1995.
