By Richard Guiss
Director PR & Development, Goodwill, Serving the People of Southern Los Angeles County
As the American economy slowly recovers from the great recession, both Congress and the Obama Administration have pledged to make job creation their number-one priority. But for many people who are out of work, this commitment alone will not be enough. With unemployment, and in particular long-term unemployment, still near record highs, American workers and job seekers need job training and career support to help them find a job or advance in a career.
Goodwill® is the leading nonprofit provider of job-training programs, employment-placement services, and other community-based programs for people who have disabilities, those who lack education or job experience, and others facing challenges to finding employment. We have seen firsthand the difference that job-training programs can make in a person’s life. In many cases, it is all that is needed to move someone from being reliant on government aid to becoming self-sufficient.
We know that it’s not enough to simply give someone a helping hand— we have to give them new ways to help themselves. In today’s increasingly diverse and high-tech job market, that means sustaining our nation’s investment in job-training programs and employment services. If the President and Congress truly want to put America back to work, they must find ways to continue funding crucial job-training programs.
Goodwill is urging Congress to help build a true economic recovery for every worker by fully funding successful job-training programs covered under the Workforce Investment Act. As our decision makers focus on how to reduce the deficit, some have proposed severe cuts to job-training programs. While Goodwill shares concerns over the deficit and understands deficit reduction will take sacrifices for all, Goodwill urges Congress to focus attention on making improvements to the workforce system while preserving its funding.Â
With the economic recovery still fragile and millions of Americans desperately needing to go back to work, Congress must make funding these programs and supporting the workers they serve a top priority.
