Washington, DC - 12^th District Congressman John Barrow (D-GA) has been selected by his colleagues to serve on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, a key committee that oversees and protects quality of life issues for all Americans.  Among its many responsibilities, the committee focuses on ways to maintain educational opportunities, expand job training, improve worker safety, and protect health care and retirement benefits for working families. 

"It's an honor to be selected to serve the people of Georgia's 12^th District through this important committee," Barrow said. "I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that Georgians have the skills, training, and support they need to succeed in today's economy." 

The announcement marks the first committee appointment that Representative Barrow has received since being sworn-in to the U.S. House of Representatives earlier this week.  Additional committee assignments are expected to be announced later this month. 

"Improving access to an affordable, quality education is a significant step towards building a stronger economy," Barrow said referring to the committee's oversight of many critical education initiates.  "By guaranteeing that our schools and students are getting the support they need, we can make a lasting investment in the future of our country's workforce."

"As I've traveled the district, folks have shared with me their concerns about the high cost of health care," Barrow said. "Too many business owners are struggling to offer health care benefits, while others just can't afford to offer those benefits at all.  This committee plays a vital role in helping business owners provide and maintain important employee benefits, while keeping working men and women safe on the job and protecting working families' pensions when they retire." 

For more information on the Committee on Education and the Workforce, please visit: http://edworkforce.house.gov/members/108th/mem-fc.htm#juris-fc.

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