[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 158 (Monday, November 10, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2304]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE POSTSECONDARY ADULT VOCATIONAL EDUCATION ACT

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                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Sunday, November 9, 1997

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Postsecondary 
Adult Vocational Education Act [PAVE] to promote vocational and higher 
education as a means of helping welfare recipients to become self-
sufficient.
  Last year, Congress enacted a sweeping welfare reform law with my 
support. The new welfare system is designed to provide needy families 
with job preparation, work, and support services to enable them to 
leave the welfare program and become self-sufficient. In particular, it 
permits a limited number of adult welfare recipients to pursue 
vocational educational training--but only for 1 year. I believe this 
provision is inadequate. The fact is, nearly half of all jobs in the 
21st century will require some postsecondary education.
  That is why I have introduced the PAVE Act. This legislation would 
permit more welfare recipients to attend institutions of higher 
education for up to 2 years--enough time to earn a vocational or 
community college degree. In addition, those who attend college while 
on welfare would be permitted to fulfill their additional work 
requirements through college work-study. Working on campus will cut 
down on the time and expenses of commuting that make it so difficult 
for single mothers to meet their work and family responsibilities.
  In my district there are a number of effective higher education 
programs that are helping welfare recipients find and keep good jobs, 
including the JobSTAR Program at Westchester Community College and the 
CLOUT Program at Pace University. Programs around the country are 
having similar success. By expanding the vocational and higher 
education opportunities available under the new welfare law, the PAVE 
Act will enable more welfare recipients to gain the knowledge and 
employment skills they need to support their families on their own and 
leave the welfare rolls once and for all.
  The Postsecondary Adult Vocational Education Act is a commonsense 
proposal that will help pave the road to self-sufficiency. I invite my 
colleagues to join me and cosponsor this important legislation.

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