The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law on July 22, 2014. WIOA is designed to help job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Congress passed the Act by a wide bipartisan majority; it is the first legislative reform of the public workforce system in 15 years.
Title II of WIOA provides funding for adult education through the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA). The Maine DOE Adult Education State Office receives AEFLA funds from the US Department of Education (USDOE) and awards them to local providers through a competitive bidding process.