“At a time when unemployment is rampant throughout Oregon and Washington, and many seniors are counting every penny of their Social Security checks simply to make ends meet, it is unconscionable and short-sighted for the Department of Labor to terminate funding and programs for seniors who are willing and able to work, and contribute their experience and time in the workforce,” wrote the members. “For 37 years, the Oregon/Washington Experience Works program has consistently exceeded Department of Labor goals, and been a model program for senior placements in both urban and rural communities. We urge you to reconsider your decision.”

SCSEP, administered by Experience Works (formerly Green Thumb) provides valuable part-time employment opportunities in community service for low-income persons 55 years of age and older. Program participants work at community and government agencies and are paid the Federal or State minimum wage, whichever is higher. The scheduled funding cut would result in the significant reduction of services to Oregon seniors and the complete elimination of the Experience Works program in Washington.

“The Bush Administration in its continuing assault on working Americans has made the shameless decision to throw Oregon’s senior citizens out on the street” said Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-Springfield). “The Department of Labor thought that this modest but highly effective employment program wouldn’t have the resources to fight a decision to severely cut their services. They thought wrong.”

“Eliminating Experience Works in Washington State would be a real blow to our older workers, particularly in Olympia, Vancouver, Aberdeen and Kelso,” said Rep. Brian Baird (D-Vancouver). “Both the Washington and Oregon programs have proven their value time and again in the past 37 years, serving as models for similar programs. With our economy in the doldrums, closing Experience Works hurts seniors when they need us the most. We should be rewarding these hardworking individuals, not taking away money they need for prescription drugs, groceries and utilities.”

The cuts have been proposed by the Department of Labor despite the fact that Experience Works has consistently exceeded all SCSEP goals, demonstrated exceptional fiscal integrity, and been recognized as a model for other grantees.

The letter was signed by Oregon Reps. DeFazio, Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland), Darlene Hooley (D-West Linn), David Wu (D-Portland) and Washington Reps. Baird, Norman Dicks (D-Belfair), Jay Inslee (D-Bainbridge Island), Adam Smith (D-Tacoma), Rick Larsen (D-Everett) and Jim McDermott (D-Seattle).

View letter to Secretary Chao.