Political Quotes

“I am voting against H.R. 803, ``The SKILLS Act,'' because it significantly limits the important role that community colleges, labor unions, and local community leaders play in assessing workforce needs and delivering important workforce development resources. It also ignores the unique needs of many individuals who are disadvantaged in the workforce and represents a step backward from current policy. Effectively investing in workforce development programs that train workers to compete in an ever changing and increasingly technology- based job market is essential to improving quality of life, rebuilding our fragile economy, and bolstering our competiveness over the long- term. Decisions about the best way to channel resources to ensure success should represent a wide variety of perspectives. While industry and local elected officials have an essential role to play in these conversations, this legislation favors the private sector while unnecessarily limiting the participation of institutions that offer workforce training programs, of groups representing workers rights, and of organizations advocating for minority and underrepresented groups. The legislation also consolidates workforce and training programs into state-level block grants designed to serve everyone. There are many groups that face unique challenges to obtaining employment, such as veterans, minorities, workers with disabilities, and young people.…”