Following is a statement by U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on President Obama signing today at the White House the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014.

“The signing of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 today creates a blueprint for job growth and makes key improvements to the nation’s workforce development system. For the unemployed, the new law offers hope; for the young, it offers encouragement; and for people with disabilities, it brings opportunity. This law helps workers attain the foundation skills necessary for 21st century jobs and fosters a modern workforce that can compete in a global economy. It emphasizes the creation of career pathway programs, improved training, and streamlined service delivery to individuals - especially for underserved youth and adults.”