XRA APPLAUDS THE INTRODUCTION OF CRITICAL XR WORKFORCE BILL
Representative Lisa Blunt Rochester introduces H.R. 9674 ‘Immersive Technology for the American Workforce’
Washington, DC – On Thursday, December 22, 2022, the XR Association (XRA), the trade association representing the growing ecosystem of companies powering virtual, augmented, and mixed reality (XR), is expressing support for H.R. 9674, a newly introduced XR workforce bill drafted by Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (DE–At-Large).
Over the past several months, XRA worked closely with Rep. Blunt Rochester’s staff to draft the legislation, which would provide grants to community colleges and technical centers to use XR technology for workforce development and skills training. With H.R. 9674, colleges and education centers will be able to invest in XR technology for on-the-job training, helping accelerate the future of work.
“Emerging technologies, such as XR, can help meet people where they are and expand access to cutting-edge technology and training resources,” said Elizabeth Hyman, CEO of XRA. “Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s bill recognizes the importance of equitable access to skills training and workforce development programs and the key role immersive technology plays in delivering better outcomes.”
Joan O’Hara, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at XRA said, “We’re excited to be able to work with Rep. Blunt Rochester, a member of Congress who cares deeply about ensuring underserved populations are able to tap into next-generation technology and skills training.”
The proposed bill follows other recent legislative successes such as H.Res. 1399, a congressional resolution to officially recognize November as National XR Month, and success in ensuring XR technology was included in a list of key technologies eligible to receive research and development funding from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the CHIPS and Science Act.
ABOUT THE XR ASSOCIATION
The XR Association promotes the dynamic global growth of the XR industry, which includes virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed-reality, and future immersive technology. XRA is leading the way for the responsible development and adoption of XR by convening stakeholders, developing best practices and research, and advocating on behalf of our members and the greater XR industry.
The XRAlert provides a fast, free, and curated update about the rapidly evolving immersive tech industry brought you by the XR Association. Delivered every Tuesday, it covers everything you need to know about XR today, tomorrow, and on the horizon, and the people who make it happen.
