SHRM’s In-District Advocacy Campaign Reaches Out to California Lawmakers

While congressional members have been in their home states and districts to meet with constituents, SHRM members and volunteer leaders have been meeting with U.S. representatives and senators and their staff to highlight SHRM’s workforce development and workplace immigration policy priorities. SHRM members have held meetings with legislators in California and across the U.S. as part of SHRM’s fourth annual In-District Advocacy Campaign.

California Advocacy

In California, SHRM members have shown a strong commitment to advocacy by scheduling meetings with several members of Congress from the California delegation, including:

• Rep. Pete Aguilar, D.
• Sen. Laphonza Butler, D.
• Rep. Salud Carbajal, D.
• Rep. Jay Obernolte, R.
• Sen. Alex Padilla, D.
• Rep. Scott Peters, D.
• Rep. Mike Thompson, D.

The advocacy campaign launched on Aug. 3 and lasts through Sept. 8.

WIOA

SHRM is advocating for Congress to pass the bipartisan Workforce Innovation and Opportunities Act (WIOA), which is the foundation of workforce development investments at the federal level. WIOA enhances job seekers’ access to employment, education, training, and support services and emphasizes collaboration among various stakeholders—including federal, state, and local entities—to improve the effectiveness of workforce development efforts and promote economic growth.

Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., chairwoman of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce and Rep. Bobby Scott, D-Va., ranking member of the same committee, have led a bipartisan effort to guide H.R. 6655, A Stronger Workforce for America Act, through the House with a decisive vote of 378-26. The legislation is now in the Senate awaiting consideration.

Pell Grants

SHRM is also urging Congress to support workforce short-term Pell Grants. Pell Grants facilitate greater access to education and training for individuals seeking to develop their skills and knowledge in high-demand fields. These grants help cultivate a skilled workforce—essential for addressing talent shortages.

The timing of SHRM’s in-district advocacy campaign affords SHRM members the valuable opportunity to elevate the voice of HR professionals with lawmakers, especially before the end of the 118th Congress and in advance of Election Day, which is Nov. 5.

SHRM members unable to participate in the in-district advocacy campaign can encourage their senators to support WIOA by participating in SHRM’s call to action.

SHRM’s advocacy campaign aligns with its commitment to fostering respectful dialogue and civility by advancing impactful policy solutions through the message of “Policy, Not Politics.”