WASHINGTON, D.C.—Representative Lynn Woolsey (D-Petaluma) Thursday visited the new office of Marin Employment Connection in San Rafael. As a Ranking Member of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, Rep. Woolsey has fought to continue programs, like those offered at the Marin Employment Connection, that benefit American working families and businesses throughout the country.

“The job training and counseling services offered by the Marin Employment Connection help the unemployed get a leg up, and help businesses find qualified employees,” said Rep. Woolsey. “I have been fighting on Capitol Hill to ensure that programs like the Marin Employment Connection continue.”

Many programs for the unemployed -- including job training and unemployment benefits protections – are included in the Workforce Investment Act (WIA). This act was reauthorized in the House of Representatives in April, but, unfortunately, the Republican proposal did not respond to the needs of the unemployed by extending unemployment benefits or including a jobs creation package.

“American working families need to get the services and training to support themselves and their families,” said Rep. Woolsey. “And, America needs a trained and educated workforce to keep this economy strong and this country secure.”

“The Marin Workforce Investment Board and the Marin Employment Connection welcome the opportunity to share with Rep. Woolsey how we use our WIA dollars to provide a wide range of workforce services to Marin jobseekers and employers,” said Mary Donovan, Program Manager for the Employment and Training branch of the County of Marin Health and Human Services.

The one shining light to this year’s reauthorization of WIA was that Rep. Woolsey successfully restored programs that protect homemakers, single parents, and working families. “We need to strengthen programs for displaced homemakers, single parents and training in nontraditional occupations, not eliminate them,” said Rep. Woolsey.

The Marin Employment Connection provides a wide variety of services, including self-assessment, training and vocational counseling, for those seeking employment in Marin County. The center is instrumental in providing connections between local businesses seeking employers and potential employees.