FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 14, 2009

CONTACT: Emily Barocas/202.225.7295

CONGRESSMAN LARSON COMMENDS OBAMA’S ACTION ON COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Urges President to include technology outreach in his plan

Washington, DC – Congressman John B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, issued the following statement in response to President Barack Obama’s announcement of his new American Graduation Initiative:

“President Obama once again displayed his gift for transformational leadership when he announced this morning an innovative initiative to strengthen community colleges across the country so they can build the American workforce of the future.  I am a strong believer that community colleges can be a hub for technology and job training in our communities if they are given the resources that our schools and students need. 

I’ve introduced The Community College Technology Access Act, developed with the support of the NDN, which will open the doors of community college technology labs and training opportunities to the public in order to provide workers who are lacking key computer skills the opportunity to attain them.  By broadening their mission, community colleges have the potential to be a hub to train our workforce for the jobs of the future. My legislation helps them fulfill their potential and boosts local economies around the country.  I commend the President’s leadership on this issue and look forward to working with him on it.”

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