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Bill

HB 698

Virginia Workforce Development and Career Connection and Training Foundation and Fund; established.

2026 Regular Session

Virginia establishes a dedicated Workforce Development Foundation and Fund to coordinate career training and skill-building programs, requiring state appropriations and oversight coordination.

Left in Committee Appropriations
0
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Bill Summary · HB 698

Legislative bill overview

HB 698 establishes a Virginia Workforce Development and Career Connection and Training Foundation and Fund to support workforce development initiatives and career training programs across the state. The bill creates a dedicated funding mechanism and organizational structure to coordinate workforce development efforts between educational institutions, employers, and state agencies.

Why is this important

Workforce development directly affects employment rates, economic competitiveness, and wage growth in Virginia. By establishing a dedicated foundation and fund, the state aims to address skill gaps, support career pathways, and help workers transition into in-demand fields—issues that affect both individual economic mobility and regional business growth.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and fiscal impact: The bill requires appropriations, and legislators may debate where funding originates and whether it competes with other state priorities
  • Governance and oversight: Questions may arise about who controls the foundation, how decisions are made, and whether it duplicates existing workforce development programs already administered by other state agencies
  • Program effectiveness and accountability: Stakeholders may want clarity on how success will be measured, what outcomes are expected, and how the foundation will demonstrate return on investment for taxpayers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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