WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Job Training Improvement Act of 2005 which included a key provision sponsored by U.S. Representative Jon Porter (R-NV).
 
Thanks to Rep. Porter, the bill provides for a pilot program funded under the Workforce Investments Act (WIA) to be used by states and local workforce investment boards to offer Personal Reemployment Accounts (PRAs) of up to $3,000 to help the neediest unemployed Americans return to work quickly.
 
“A strong job training system is a critical element in preparing U.S. workers for the high-demand, good-paying jobs of the 21st century,” said Rep. Porter.  “One aspect of any good job training system is providing unemployed workers with the means necessary to acquire new skills and ready themselves for careers in new, more lucrative fields.”
 
“Personal Reemployment Accounts are a common-sense solution designed to help Americans still struggling to find a good job, and Representative Porter deserves great credit for his leadership in passing this legislation,” said U.S. Representative John Boehner (R-OH), Chairman of the House Education and Workforce Committee. 
 
PRAs offer a flexible, innovative approach that empowers workers to make choices appropriate to their circumstances.  A similar proposal passed the House last year on a stand-alone basis which was also sponsored by Rep. Porter.  Following are just some of the services individuals may pursue using Personal Retirement Accounts:

- Job Training
- Child Care
- Transportation Services
- Relocation Services
- Career Counseling
- Computer Classes
- Housing Assistance
- Skills Assessment

“This bill is about empowering Americans to find good paying jobs, and giving individuals the tools and resources they need to help them reenter the workforce,” added Rep. Porter.  “I appreciate the leadership and support of Chairman Boehner and Chairman McKeon for their tireless efforts in bringing this important legislation to the floor.”
 
PRAs are a voluntary option that supplement, but do not replace, unemployment insurance benefits and provide unemployed workers with additional choices and flexibility in their job search.  They are also similar in concept to the individual training accounts used by individuals at many one-stop centers to access current job training services.

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