Political Quotes

“Mr. Chairman, this amendment to H.R. 2842, Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act, would make two changes to the bill. The first part of the amendment would encourage the demonstration projects created under this bill to direct beneficiaries toward jobs in an in-demand industry sector or occupation, as identified by workforce boards in their States and local communities. Today, in this country, there are approximately 6 million jobs that remain unfilled because they require technical skills and knowledge related specifically to an industry or occupation. If we want to help participants move from government assistance and hold a job, then we must set them on a path toward jobs and industries that are currently, and will remain, competitive in the evolving 21st century economy. The second part of my amendment would include in the reports from States that establish these demonstration projects information about their efforts to ensure nondisplacement of workers and to address grievance claims. Congress' future decisions related to similar programs will be enhanced by having access to this information and data reported from the States. Mr. Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.”