|
 Printer-Friendly Version
OPA News Release: [03/13/2003]
Contact Name: Elissa
Pruett
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Statement of U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao on
Introduction of the “Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education
Act”
WASHINGTON—U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao issued the
following statement today upon introduction of the “Workforce Reinvestment
and Adult Education Act” (H.R. 1261) by Chairman John Boehner and
Subcommittee Chairman Buck McKeon:
“Chairman Boehner, Subcommittee Chairman McKeon and the members of
the House Committee on Education and the Workforce are to be commended for
taking quick action to introduce the “Workforce Reinvestment and Adult
Education Act.” The Administration is dedicated to improving the quality
of the employment and training services provided to unemployed and dislocated
workers, and out-of-school youth. These workers need our help now, and the
Committee is to be applauded for setting an aggressive timeline to shepherd
this bill through the House.
“In 1998, this committee recognized the impacts of globalization,
technological advances and demographic changes, by passing the Workforce
Investment Act to address the changing needs of our workforce. Today, they have
again demonstrated their leadership by introducing a bill that expands the
accessibility, responsiveness and, most importantly, success of our
nation’s $12 billion workforce investment system.
“We look forward to working with all members of the Education and
the Workforce Committee to continue to transform and further integrate the
One-Stop Career Center delivery system into a cohesive and demand-driven
workforce investment system. We share the goal of improving the system to
better respond to the changing needs of workers, business and the demands of
our new economy. Together, we will work to improve links with the private
sector and with post-secondary education and economic development systems to
prepare the 21st century workforce for career opportunities in
high-growth sectors.”
# # #
_________________________________________________________________
| 
