Commonsense Ideas for a Stronger America: Manchin Unveils Bill for Job Retraining
At groundbreaking for Advanced Technology Center, Manchin rolls out ‘Retrain for Work Act’ to make sure unemployed workers get job retraining
Manchin also visits students at Parkersburg-area high schools to emphasize importance of education
Fairmont, W.V. – With more than three million American jobs going unfilled because workers don’t have the skills needed for the positions available, and with unemployment nationwide stuck at about 9.1 percent, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) today unveiled commonsense legislation to better match the unemployed with existing jobs.
Senator Manchin unveiled his Retrain for Work Act, which would make sure Americans who are unemployed prioritize retraining for jobs, instead of receiving unemployment checks without getting the skills necessary to get an existing job.
“Too many Americans have been unemployed for far too long. There is nothing compassionate about handing unemployment checks to able-bodied workers without also making sure they get the skills needed to get a new job,” Senator Manchin said. “West Virginians don’t want a handout, they want the dignity of providing for their families after a hard day’s work. We should work to make sure that everyone who is physically able to work has the skills they need to get a job that is open now.”
Senator Manchin helped break ground today on a retraining facility: the new North Central Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont, a 55,000 square-foot facility devoted to delivering technical training to West Virginia’s students, with the goal of preparing the state’s workforce for challenging jobs that will move the economy forward.
As part of the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, the Advanced Training Center will work directly with local employers to tailor programs that train students to fill the positions that are currently available in the area.
Senator Manchin also spoke today to students at Parkersburg South High School and Parkersburg High School about the need to take their education seriously so that they can compete for jobs in a tough economy. He emphasized the importance of being prepared for the high-paying jobs of tomorrow in fields like science and engineering.
Background on the Unemployment Retraining Jobs Amendment
- The bill would prioritize retraining for Americans who are unemployed, instead of delivering unemployment checks without a retraining condition.
- Those who receive unemployment checks would be required to enroll in:
- A state-certified job retraining program;
- Continuing education such as high school, a GED credential program, or another state-recognized equivalent program, or an institution of higher education;
- A state-recognized career and technical education program.
The legislation would work to encourage the millions of Americans looking for jobs to get the skills they need for existing jobs – putting Americans back to work while also rebuilding America.
Additional events this week:
WEDNESDAY, October 26, 2011
Media availability following roundtable on substance abuse
When: 11 a.m.Where: Raleigh County Public Library (meeting room in basement), 221 North Kanawha Street, Beckley
What: Senator Manchin hold a media availability following a roundtable with community stakeholders on substance abuse in West Virginia.
Visit Oceana Middle School
When: 12:30-1:30 p.m.Where: Oceana Middle School, 309 Cook Parkway, Oceana
What: Senator Manchin will with students at Oceana Middle School about substance abuse in the community.
Visit Mercer County Courthouse
When: 3 p.m.Where: Mercer County Courthouse, 1501 Main Street, Princeton
What: Senator Manchin will visit the Mercer County Courthouse and speak with residents.
THURSDAY, October 27, 2011
Remarks at lunch honoring West Virginia’s 2011 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50
When: 10:45 a.m.Where: West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown
What: Senator Manchin will deliver remarks at a lunch honoring West Virginia’s 2011 AARP Best Employers for Workers Over 50.
Keynote Address, WVU College of Law’s Energy and Sustainable Development Symposium on Marcellus Drilling
When: 8 p.m.Where: West Virginia University Erickson Alumni Center, 1 Alumni Drive, Morgantown
What: Senator Manchin will deliver the keynote address at WVU College of Law’s Energy and Sustainable Development Symposium on Marcellus Drilling.
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