Full text of Women's Bureau Updates : July 2019, Issue III

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Women's Bureau

WB Updates July 2019 | Issue III
DOL's Women's Bureau: 99 Years of
Creating Opportunity
photo mary anderson first director of women's bureau

June 5, 2019 marked the 99th anniversary of the creation of the Women's Bureau at the U.S.
Department of Labor. Established just two months before the ratification of the 19th
Amendment, the Women’s Bureau is the only federal agency tasked with focusing exclusively
on working women by safeguarding their interests, advocating for their equality and
economic security, and promoting quality work environments. This year’s celebration comes
at a time of unprecedented opportunity for all American workers, and especially
women. Click here to read the blog by Acting Director Erica Wright.

Erica Clayton Wright Named Acting
Director of the U.S. Department of Labor's
Women's Bureau
Erica Wright photo

On May 9, the U.S. Department of Labor announced that Erica Clayton Wright has been
named Acting Director of the Women's Bureau. Wright has more than 15 years of experience
in federal, state, and local government serving in various leadership positions. Wright served

as the Communications Director for U.S. Senator Rick Santorum, as well as Deputy Director
for the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, and Communications Director for the
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. See the full news
release.

Occupational Licensing Reform for Military
Spouses – Front and Center
group photo military spouses occupational licensing

On June 12, Acting Director Wright held a listening session with military spouses at Joint Base
McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey to discuss occupational licensing reform and ways to
increase employment opportunities. Adding momentum to the conversation the next day,
President Donald Trump hosted a working lunch with U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander
Acosta and governors from around the country to discuss best ways to reform occupational
licensing laws, advance childcare policies, and provide quality job training to America's
workforce.

U.S. Department of Labor Makes Major
Announcements on Apprenticeship
Expansion
photo two professionals in lab coats

On June 24, the U.S. Department of Labor announced major milestones in the e ort to
expand apprenticeships in America. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published that
would establish a process for the Department to advance the development of high-quality,
industry-recognized apprenticeship programs (IRAPs). The Department announced the award
of $183 million in investments to grow apprenticeships and a new solicitation to award up
to $100 million in grant funds for apprenticeship partnerships of public- and private-sector

entities to develop and implement new apprenticeship models or expand existing
apprenticeship programs. The deadline to apply is September 24, 2019. Read more in the
news release.

Acting Director Wright Addresses Women
Business Owners at the White House
photo of Erica Wright at white house

On June 4, 2019, Acting Director Wright addressed nearly 150 members of the National
Association of Women Business Owners, who attended a White House briefing on the
Administration's e orts to help women start and grow their businesses. In her remarks,
Wright highlighted the importance of paid family leave and provided a preview of the online
platform for women entrepreneurs developed jointly with the Small Business Administration
and the U.S. Treasury.

Secretary Acosta at Hiring Our Heroes’ 2019
Military Spouse Employment Summit
alexander acosta photo

On June 20, Former U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta spoke at the Military Spouse
Employment Summit hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Key themes in
his remarks included strengthening military communities through economic opportunities
and the importance of the businesses’ involvement in fostering an agile work environment.
The Secretary also highlighted the Department of Labor's work to promote occupational
licensing reform, including $7.5 million in grants dedicated to the e ort. You can watch the
full recording of the event here.

From Our Partners at the VA: Solicitation of
nomination for appointment to the

Advisory Committee on Women Veterans
photo of Veteran A aits logo

The U.S. Department of Veterans A airs (VA) is seeking nominations of qualified candidates to
be considered for membership on the Advisory Committee on Women Veterans for the 2019
membership cycle. The Committee provides advice to the Secretary of Veterans A airs on the
administration of VA’s benefits and services for women Veterans, reports and studies
pertaining to women Veterans, and the needs of women Veterans. Nominations for
membership on the Committee must be received by August 1, 2019. Click here to see the full
solicitation.

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