Jobs in the Woods Act
Summary
The "Jobs in the Woods Act" aims to establish a grant program through the Department of Agriculture to address workforce development needs within the forestry sector. The program will provide competitive grants to eligible entities, such as non-profit organizations, state governments, Indian Tribes, local governments, and institutions of higher education. These grants will support career pathway training programs in eligible areas, focusing on forestry operations and forestry products industries.
The bill specifies that grants will be awarded for a period of up to four years, ranging from $500,000 to $2,000,000. Priority will be given to entities addressing the aging workforce, youth migration, and those partnering with educational institutions to assist with forestry workforce placement.
An authorization of $10,000,000 per fiscal year from 2026 through 2030 is designated to carry out this grant program.
Expected Effects
The "Jobs in the Woods Act" will likely increase the number of trained workers in the forestry sector, particularly in low-income, nonmetropolitan areas with broadband access. This could lead to more job opportunities and economic growth in these regions.
The Act will also encourage partnerships between educational institutions and forestry businesses, ensuring that training programs are relevant and aligned with industry needs. This should improve workforce placement and retention rates.
Furthermore, the focus on addressing the aging workforce and youth migration may help to revitalize rural communities and sustain the forestry industry for future generations.
Potential Benefits
- Increased job opportunities in the forestry sector, especially in rural areas.
- Improved skills and training for workers in forestry operations and related industries.
- Strengthened partnerships between educational institutions and forestry businesses.
- Revitalization of rural communities by addressing the aging workforce and youth migration.
- Support for sustainable forestry practices through a better-trained workforce.
Potential Disadvantages
- The program's success depends on the effective implementation and oversight by the Secretary of Agriculture.
- Limited funding may restrict the number of grants awarded and the overall impact of the program.
- The focus on specific eligible areas may exclude other regions with forestry workforce needs.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing and administering the grant program.
- The program's reliance on eligible entities to carry out training programs may lead to inconsistencies in quality and effectiveness.
Constitutional Alignment
The "Jobs in the Woods Act" appears to align with the constitutional principle of promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to enact legislation that supports economic development and workforce training programs. The Act does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Article I, Section 8, Clause 1 of the Constitution grants Congress the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States. This clause provides the constitutional basis for Congress to appropriate funds for programs like the Forestry Workforce Development Grants.
However, the Act's implementation must adhere to principles of equal protection and non-discrimination to ensure that all eligible entities have fair access to the grant program.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).