|
Washington, D.C. -- Today Congressman David Wu continued his fight to help Oregonians who are struggling to train for and find jobs. Congressman Wu offered two amendments to the Job Training and Improvement Act (H.R. 27) to reverse Republican efforts to limit age eligibility for youth training and to restore grant eligibility based upon a common sense local approach. The amendments were submitted to the House Rules Committee for consideration.
"Oregonians still face one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. In challenging economic times our government should be a help not a hindrance to those trying to find work," said Congressman David Wu. "My amendments restore the age eligibility and retain a standard for youth training that provides greater assistance."
Currently H.R. 27 provides $1.25 billion for youth activities, but reserves $250 million for Youth Challenge Grants on a competitive basis. Congressman Wu's amendment would fold the entire Youth Challenge Grant back to the state allocated formula and allow for the sum to be distributed to local Workforce Investment Boards, which are in the best position to determine local needs. Portland based Worksystems, Inc. currently serves about 800 of Oregon's estimated 20,000 economically disadvantaged youth and estimates it can expand its job training services, if local granting authority is retained.
The second amendment calls for retaining the age eligibility of 14-16 year olds to receive training. H.R. 27 raises the age of eligibility to a maximum of 24 years of age but eliminates eligibility of 14 and 15 year olds.
"In a competitive 21st century economy we should be doing all we can to help educate and train our youth today," said Congressman Wu. "We can't afford to wait to help our youth obtain the skills necessary to be productive members of the workforce."
### |
