[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  2001 SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2001

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2216) making 
     supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2001, and for other purposes:

  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Chairman, earlier today, during debate 
on the Crowley amendment, I made reference to my concerns about cuts to 
the Workforce Investment Act. As I said, I am deeply concerned that the 
funding for the supplemental is at the expense of this very important 
program.
  As you know, the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) provides job 
training and related services to low-income persons, dislocated 
workers, and other unemployed or underemployed individuals. The WIA 
trains people for jobs so that they are prepared to enter the workforce 
and participate as productive employees. And one major, positive 
consequence of the program is a true savings in the costs of crime and 
dependency.
  Without a doubt, the WIA is a vital investment in our workforce and 
our future. I am particularly interested in this program because of the 
Stanley M. Isaacs Neighborhood Center which is located in my district. 
I am proud to say that the Isaacs Center has a long history of helping 
young people stay in school and prepare for entering into the job 
market.
  Fortunately, the Center was awarded $1.2 million over a 3 year period 
to work with 250 at-risk children ages 14-18 to help them complete high 
school, get work experience and training, and transition to work or to 
pursue further education.
  However, it is very clear: the Isaacs Center's funding and its 
ability to continue this project is directly linked to the continued 
funding of WIA. Our children count on this funding. Our future demands 
it. We must not cut WIA funding.

                          ____________________