# BPC Launches Commission on the American Workforce to Tackle Human Capital Crisis December 17, 2024 *CEPR's Faculty Director Thomas Kane joins the **Commission on the American Workforce.*** *Washington, DC* – The Bipartisan Policy Center is launching the **Commission on the American Workforce**, [a bold initiative](https://bipartisanpolicy.org/caw/) to address the urgent challenges facing America’s most valuable asset: our people. Co-chaired by former Governors **Bill Haslam** (R-TN) and **Deval Patrick** (D-MA), the commission will meet throughout 2025 and develop a national, bipartisan strategy to strengthen the workforce, expand economic opportunity, and ensure the United States remains competitive. America’s human capital—its collective skills, knowledge, and experience—has fueled the nation’s success, but significant challenges threaten this foundation: - Two-thirds of fourth graders struggle with reading and math proficiency. - College enrollment has stagnated amid questions about the value of higher education. - Nearly half of nonworking women cite child care as a primary barrier to employment. - The U.S. workforce faces a skills mismatch, with more than 1 million unfilled job openings. “Our future as a nation hinges on our ability to nurture talent, expand opportunity, and invest in our workforce,” said BPC President and CEO **Margaret Spellings**. “Bipartisanship is the only path to develop meaningful and enduring solutions, which is why BPC is uniquely positioned to lead this critical effort.” In addition to co-chairs Haslam and Patrick, confirmed commissioners thus far are: - **Russlynn Ali**, CEO and Co-founder, XQ Institute; Managing Director of the Education Fund, Emerson Collective - **Robbie Bach** (ex officio), BPC Board Member; Former President of Entertainment & Devices, Microsoft - **John Bailey**, Non-Resident Senior Fellow, American Enterprise Institute - **Allan Golston**, President, U.S. Program, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - **Katie Jenner**, Indiana Secretary of Education - **Tom Kane**, Faculty Director, Center for Education Policy Research, Harvard University - **Harrison Keller**, President, University of North Texas - **John King, Jr.**, Chancellor, State University of New York - **Christian Meisner**, Chief Human Resources Officer, GE Aerospace - **Jamie Merisotis**, President and CEO, Lumina Foundation - **Mike Miles**, Superintendent, Houston Independent School District - **Garrett Moran**, Former President, Year Up; Former Chair, Governor’s Workforce Council in Connecticut - **Susan Neely**, CEO Emeritus, American Council of Life Insurers - **Eloy Ortiz Oakley**, President and CEO, College Futures Foundation - **Mike Rogers**, Arkansas Chief Workforce Officer - **Andy Rotherham**, Co-founder and Senior Partner, Bellwether; Member, Virginia Board of Education - **Laurie Todd-Smith**, Director, Center for Education Opportunity and Center for the American Child, America First Policy Institute - **Margaret Spellings** (ex officio), President and CEO, Bipartisan Policy Center “Right now, we are falling short,” said Gov. Haslam. “Too many young people struggle with basic literacy. Too many families find higher education out of reach. And too many individuals fail to see the connection between post-secondary learning and their career success. Addressing these gaps is critical, and I am honored to be a part of the solution to chart a path forward.” “The challenges are clear and significant, ranging from child care deserts to a skills gap in the labor market,” added Gov. Patrick. “We need bold, multisector solutions that work for everyone. This commission is committed to getting the job done for all Americans.” In addition to the commission, BPC will convene four specific workgroups with additional business leaders, educators, and experts, who will focus on these critical areas: 1. **Elementary and Secondary Education:** Reforming K-12 systems to deliver high-quality education for all. 2. **Postsecondary Pathways:** Enhancing higher education and alternative pathways to better prepare students for success. 3. **Workers and Workforce:** Addressing workforce shortages and adapting to the needs of the modern economy. 4. **Worker Supports:** Strengthening child care, paid leave, education benefits, and retirement security. “Education and workforce opportunities are the foundation of a strong and competitive America, and I welcome and commend BPC’s efforts to tackle these critical issues,” said Rep. **Virginia Foxx** (R-NC)**.** “Our nation’s growth and prosperity are in jeopardy if we cannot raise the bar and meet the needs of a workforce of the future. I look forward to hearing more about the commission’s work and what this distinguished group recommends.” “Congress has a responsibility to create policies that support and prepare America’s students for a future that leads to a rewarding career,” Rep. **Bobby Scott** (D-VA). The Bipartisan Policy Center’s Commission on the American Workforce could help Congress’s work to expand opportunities and unlock potential for future generations.” The commission’s recommendations will guide Congress as it considers overdue reauthorizations of key legislation, including the Higher Education Act, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, and the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Read more at [bipartisanpolicy.org](https://bipartisanpolicy.org/press-release/bpc-caw/). See also:- [ Press Releases ](/press-releases) - [ 2024 ](/year/2024) Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)