Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Lends Support for Job Corps Funding

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones Lends Support for Job Corps Funding

WASHINGTON, March 4 /PRNewswire/ -- Amidst lackluster economic growth, Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) has joined with a bipartisan group of House Members in sending a letter to the Appropriations Committee urging full funding for Job Corps. She released the following statement."Through the American people's unwavering resilience, the economy continues to show signs of improvement. Payroll employment rose by 262,000 in February," stated Rep. Tubbs Jones.

"Unfortunately, job gains did not translate into wage growth for most workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the national unemployment rate rose again from 5.2 to 5.4 percent. Both average hourly earnings and average weekly earnings were flat last month for production and non-managerial workers, who account for about 80 percent of the labor force.

"According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average annual work effort for low-income families is 2,500 hours, equal to 1.2 full-time jobs. This demonstrates that while the American people possess an unwavering determination to earn a living, the economy has yet to produce and sustain a fair amount of quality jobs.

"To aid job seekers, I have lent my voice to a bipartisan group of House Members to urge the Appropriations Committee to support full funding for Job Corps. For 40 years, Job Corps has responded to the nation's labor and economic challenges by providing employers with the trained, entry-level employees needed to operate and expand their businesses.

"Job Corps' training programs in 122 centers nationwide have helped meet America's desperate need for health care professionals, first responders and military personnel. Job Corps has three centers in Ohio. The Cleveland Job Corps Center instructs in 13 trades including clerical, medical assistant, lab technician, printing and graphics, shipping and receiving, floor covering and computer repair.

"I will continue to remain a steadfast proponent of efforts, which arm our communities with the skills and resources they need to compete in an ever- evolving workforce."

Source: Office of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones