Political Quotes

“The amendment I am offering with my colleague, Representative Susan Davis, strengthens coordination between subsidized employment through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, TANF, program, other Federal workforce development programs, and the Federal Work-Study program. The goal of the Accelerating Individuals into the Workforce Act is to help low-income individuals gain the experience and skills necessary for long-term success in the workforce and access to family-sustaining wages. Yet studies of the long-term effects on unemployment from short- term, subsidized employment programs demonstrate differing outcomes, which is why I commend my colleagues for including robust reporting and evaluation requirements in the underlying bill. We already know that other efforts have clear long-term benefits. Adults who attain postsecondary credentials and degrees are much more likely to be employed and much less likely to rely on public assistance. For example, about 90 percent of young adults who earn a bachelor's degree are employed. The employment rate for those who don't complete high school is just 48 percent. Not surprisingly, the vast majority--approximately 93 percent--of TANF recipients did not attain education beyond high school. Helping more low-income adults complete postsecondary credential programs and degrees is a proven strategy for reducing reliance on public assistance and promoting self-sufficient households. This is a bipartisan goal.…”