The “One Bill” reconciliation package, which Congress passed earlier this summer, is a comprehensive measure that drastically reduces federal support for basic needs and restricts some access to education programs. This law will affect every worker, employer, community, and state. However, the manner in which states respond to the reconciliation bill will determine the extent of this impact and the harm it causes to workers and their families. To put it another way, the work is now being done in states, where it is being done by advocates for state workforces.
NSC is the only national organization that has successfully mobilized practitioners, local businesses, students, and workers to collectively advance workforce and safety net policies in Congress and in states over the past two decades. Our SkillSPAN network, the first and only national network of multi-stakeholder state-based coalitions that develop and promote skills policies, is partly to blame for this. SkillSPAN coalitions have successfully advocated for state policies and investments that assist individuals in obtaining high-quality training and employment, businesses in locating skilled workers, and states in developing robust, inclusive economies ever since their inception. All of this despite shifting budgets, elected officials, and political climates.
In spite of threats from the federal level, these advantages position the SkillSPAN network of the NSC to drive state advocacy that minimizes the negative effects of reconciliation, increases investments in workforce systems, and advances policies that generate economic prosperity for states.
Unique Strength of SkillSPAN in a Critical Moment
The SkillSPAN network of the NSC has actively protected workforce investments, organized responses to funding threats, and argued that policymakers should fulfill their commitments to support workers, families, and businesses for more than five years. This year is no exception. SkillSPAN coalitions from coast to coast continue to advance moment-specific strategies despite changes in the playing field. SkillSPAN partners intensified their efforts after the new administration took office in January by advocating for and defending workforce policies at the state level and reminding state leaders to defend the federal funds Congress had already given to states to support workforce.
One example is a United Way of New York State campaign that gathered more than 200 organizations from the state’s workforce and social security systems. Together, partners called attention to the local effects of disruptions in federal funding and urged state leaders to keep training pipelines and wraparound support while requesting the release of funds that had been withheld. The group used strategic messaging strategies, educated state and congressional leaders, and engaged reporters to elevate community stories under SkillSPAN leadership.
The SkillSPAN coalition quickly shifted its focus to addressing the harmful effects of the reconciliation bill on New Yorkers and is currently preparing advocacy efforts to protect residents and expand access to training and support services. The goal of the Edge Coalition in California was to give SkillSPAN partners the information they needed to deal with potential cuts to state and federal budgets. The coalition launched an advocacy campaign to convince state leaders to safeguard and enhance safety net programs, workforce development, and postsecondary education.
This included a letter of support that was written in collaboration with important allies in the state and urged Assembly Chair Jesse Gabriel, Senate Chair Scott Wiener, and Governor Gavin Newsom to uphold their duty to their constituents. During the NSC’s Skills Summit in May, these state-level initiatives complemented federal advocacy, including interaction with congressional leaders. SkillSPAN coalitions have a history of strong advocacy, and their track record provides our network with the expertise and leadership necessary to respond to the current situation.
State Security at Risk It is impossible to overstate the impact that the reconciliation bill could have: millions of people will lose or only have limited access to food assistance, healthcare coverage, and education and training. The law will have a negative economic impact that will cost states billions of dollars. It will also force policymakers to make difficult decisions as they try to balance state budgets in response to cuts made by the federal government while also dealing with an increased risk of recession and the upcoming midterm elections. Local partners are also dealing with existential issues at the same time. Communities are having a harder time meeting the needs of workers and their families as a result of ongoing disruptions in federal funding.
State advocates must act quickly and strategically to advance both offensive and defensive strategies in support of short-term wins and long-term visions for the workforce system because there are so many variables at play. This will necessitate a thorough comprehension of state policy and the effective organization of new voices from various sectors. The objective is to make sure that nothing is left out and that states use every tool at their disposal to minimize the impact of reconciliation on families and workers. Depending on how each state responds to the law, advocates will need to do different work to reach this objective. States are expected to respond in one of three general ways, according to the NSC: Active policymaking and investments to minimize the impact on residents of federal funding cuts and work requirements tied to basic needs These states will endeavor with the utmost sincerity to increase revenues through specific taxes and fees as well as fulfill their obligations to fill budget gaps for programs that promote economic opportunity. hard debates about tradeoffs and priorities using a strategy that aims to make cuts and reallocate state investments to fill budget holes. This group will include many states with leadership that is more moderate, political mixed, or divided and is interested in freeing up existing funds rather than looking for ways to raise money. Support for the law’s restrictions and cuts, as well as deliberate implementation decisions that impose more of these restrictions. These states are most likely to eliminate all safety net programs, impose stricter work requirements, and capitalize on the momentum of reconciliation to further reduce state investments for efficiency’s sake.
Coming Soon
Workforce advocates play a crucial role in making the case for investments and policies that help employers meet talent needs, improve the outcomes of workers, families, and communities, and reduce the harm caused by reconciliation. Special sessions to directly respond to the reconciliation bill are being considered or requested by several states. NSC and SkillSPAN coalitions are actively developing advocacy agendas for special sessions and the 2026 legislative session. In the coming months, more information on the plans and progress of the network will be shared. The foundations of our network’s success have always been organizing, educating, making the case, and telling compelling stories, despite the fact that a lot is still unknown. At NSC, we are thankful to support the SkillSPAN coalition leaders because we are aware that our network was built for times like these. Partners can contact NSC or the lead organization of their coalition if they are interested in joining or contributing to SkillSPAN efforts in their state. Together, we can mobilize coordinated action and turn disappointment and outrage into action that builds a more equitable, resilient workforce system.
