“We need to strengthen programs for displaced homemakers, single parents and training in nontraditional occupations, not eliminate them.”

Washington, DC – The House Committee on Education and the Workforce, today, agreed to Rep. Lynn Woolsey’s (D-Petaluma) amendment to restore programs that protect homemakers, single parents, and working families. The amendment was accepted into the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).

The WIA bill, as introduced by the Republicans, would have eliminated programs that are authorized under current law. Said Rep. Woolsey, “We need to strengthen programs for displaced homemakers, single parents and training in nontraditional occupations, not eliminate them,” said Rep. Woolsey.

Rep. Woolsey said in today’s testimony that “there are more than 7 million displaced homemakers and 10 million single mothers in the United States. My amendment gives these women a better chance to get the services and training they need to support themselves and their families, and the training we need them to have to keep this economy strong and this country secure.”

Although not usual custom, Rep. Woolsey named the amendment after the late Patsy Mink (D-Hawaii). Rep. Woolsey will continue Rep. Mink’s hard work to ensure protections for older women who suffer the lose of a spouse, and younger women who are single parents and need high-wage, high-skill jobs to support their families.

The Workforce Investment Act, also known as the Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003, will be voted on in the House Education and Workforce Committee before being sent to the floor of the House of Representatives.