Proposed Federal Budget Signals Cuts to WIOA Funding

The current administration recently released more detailed information on its Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, and several key changes directly impact workforce development programs authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). These programs are essential to CVTA member schools and the broader community of commercial driver training providers that rely on federal workforce funding to support students and connect individuals to in-demand careers.

Among the most notable changes are proposed reductions to Adult Employment & Training Activities and Dislocated Worker Employment & Training Activities. Funding for Adult programs would be reduced from $881 million to $712 million, while Dislocated Worker funding would drop from $1.39 billion to $1.06 billion. These accounts play a critical role in providing tuition assistance and career services for individuals seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce, including those pursuing careers in commercial trucking.

In addition to these individual reductions, the administration proposes consolidating several existing workforce programs—including those serving dislocated workers, justice-involved individuals, and adult learners—into a new initiative titled the “Make America Skilled Again” (MASA) grant program. The combined funding for these programs would decline from $1.952 billion to $1.194 billion under this proposal. While the stated aim is to streamline program delivery, the significant funding reduction may limit access to high-quality training opportunities nationwide.

CVTA remains actively engaged on this issue and is working closely with members, industry partners, and congressional offices to prevent reductions to WIOA funding. We continue to emphasize the importance of workforce investments that expand access to CDL training and help individuals build long-term careers in the trucking and transportation industries.