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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202/219-8211.
The Workforce Development Act represents substantial
bipartisan progress in improving the way America's job training and vocational
education system works. Senator Kassebaum and Senator Kennedy are to be
commended for their tireless efforts in moving this bill forward. While the
Workforce Development Act represents a significant step forward in improving
important aspects of America's job training and vocational education system,
the Administration still has significant concerns which will need to be
addressed in the House-Senate conference.
The Workforce Development Act incorporates a number of key
features that are consistent with President Clinton's proposed G.I. Bill for
America's Workers. It:
- consolidates and simplifies job training programs;
- creates a one-stop career delivery system for the provision of
training and employment services;
- develops high quality labor market information and consumer reports
on the performance of education and training service providers.
We also are pleased that the Senate agreed to:
- maintain the federal commitment to workers who lose their jobs due to
international trade through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program;
- establish a national reserve to help workers affected by major
dislocations such as military base closings, plant closings, mass layoffs, and
natural disasters find jobs.
- preserve the successful Job Corps as a national program for severely
disadvantaged youth;
- allow states and communities to continue their implementation of
school to work grants;
- provide employment services that meet the unique needs of migrant and
seasonal farmworkers.
We also are pleased that the bill allows the use of Skill
Grant vouchers which would empower adults to choose the training and education
that best meets their needs. However, we believe Skill Grants should be the
primary means for providing adult job training as the President proposed, and
we will work in conference to ensure that adults in all States will have the
opportunity to use Skill Grants.
We will continue to work with Congress in developing a
bipartisan bill that will provide American workers with the assistance they
need to meet the demands of the 21st century.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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