Chao's testimony earns Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS Subcommittee members acrimony once again

Secretary Chao appeared before the Senate Appropriations Labor-HHS Subcommittee yesterday in support of her FY 2009 budget request. Secretary Chao argued vociferously against the newly released IG and GAO reports criticizing over $250 million in sole source grants overseen by the Secretary under the President's High Growth Job Training Initiative. The reports focused on the lack of evaluation and poor follow up by DOL in the administration of these grants. Are you operating a High Growth Job Training? We would like to know about your progress. Why not post a comment?

McKeon continues to press WIA reauthorization

House Education and Labor Ranking Member Buck McKeon told NWA that he continues to press WIA reauthorization with his Democratic counterparts on the Education and Labor Committee in just the past couple of weeks. He also released a press release Friday when the April unemployment numbers were released, encouraging Democrats to move on reauthorization to help improve the employment situation.

McKeon also indicated he and Senate Ranking Member Mike Enzi were encouraging Senate HELP Chairman Ted Kennedy once again to move WIA. However, it does not appear that reauthorization is on the House agenda at the moment, as Committee staff have been meeting with interest groups to discuss key items for a more comprehensive reauthorization in 2009. Why not ask your Member of Congress to support Mr. McKeon when you see them at your One-Stop Visit!