Washington, D.C. — September 2025. Nearly 100 companies and business associations have signed a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to maintain and increase funding for federal workforce programs as Fiscal Year 2026 budget negotiations move forward.

The letter, organized by Business Leaders United (BLU), warns that proposed cuts to programs such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), career and technical education, adult education, and registered apprenticeships would undermine U.S. competitiveness at a time of record demand for skilled workers

“Workforce programs are not optional,” the letter states. “They are essential to ensuring that workers can access training for in-demand jobs and that businesses can hire the skilled workforce they need to grow.”

Employer Priorities

In the letter, business leaders call on Congress to:

• Fund federal workforce programs at robust levels.
• Provide dedicated funding for sector partnerships that align training with industry demand.
• Maintain the maximum Pell Grant award, which will expand to cover short-term skills training programs beginning in 2026.

Growing Business and Public Support

Employers cited pressing challenges including looming retirements, rapid advances in technology, and barriers such as childcare and transportation that keep workers from completing training. Despite these challenges, the United States continues to underinvest in its workforce system, leaving employers without the talent they need to succeed.

Polling shows strong public backing: 82% of voters support increased government investment in skills training. Business leaders stressed that protecting these investments is both good policy and broadly popular.