Workforce development in the President's Economic Stimulus Package - Policy News - George W. Bush, The Back to Work Act - Brief Article

Training & Development, Dec, 2001

Following the September 11 events, President Bush and the U.S. Congress identified priorities for an economic stimulus package of up to US$75 billion. The President's plan to help displaced workers, The Back to Work Act (H.R. 3112), was introduced in the House of Representatives on October 12. The bill would authorize US$3 billion in special National Emergency Grants (NEGs) to help displaced workers maintain health coverage, supplement their income, and obtain job training.

Rep. Buck McKeon (R-CA), 21st Century Competitiveness Subcommittee chairman, notes that this legislation will support "existing job training services established under the Workforce Investment Act...to ensure that displaced workers get relief."

Both the Senate and the House have conducted hearings on how to help people affected by mass layoffs. Emily DeRocco, assistant secretary of labor for employment and training, discussed training services available at One-Stop Centers. To find the One-Stop Center near you, call 877.US2.JOBS