Tom Harkin: “I agree that the Workforce Investment Act should be provided the adequate level of funding needed to ensure that workers…”

“I agree that the Workforce Investment Act should be provided the adequate level of funding needed to ensure that workers can get the training and services they need to compete for 21st century jobs. The Workforce Investment Act statutorily provides States 3 years to spend the funds allocated to them. This flexibility allows States to assess their unique needs, the needs of their unemployed workers, and to adequately plan innovative initiatives, training programs, and services for the workforce. I believe the rescission of funds proposed by the House of Representatives would be unfair to those programs that have appropriately obligated funds at the State and local levels to serve workers in need. The committee expects to provide sufficient funds for this program and will work towards securing the funding in the final bill.”