[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 3 (Thursday, January 8, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Page S220]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. FEINGOLD:
  S. 175. A bill to evaluate certain skills certification programs, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and 
Pensions.
  Mr. FEINGOLD. Mr. President, today I introduce a straight-forward 
bill that is a first step toward helping American workers and 
businesses. This bill is part of my E-4 Initiative, which focuses on 
issues affecting the economy, energy, education and employment. The 
Skills Standards Certification Evaluation Act will require the 
Secretaries of Labor, Education and Commerce to evaluate skills 
standards certification programs that have been developed with federal 
funding.
  Skills Standards Certifications have emerged over the past two 
decades in response to job growth in high-technology and varied 
industries. The training or classes usually take weeks or months, 
rather than years. Often, they are developed in response to the needs 
of one industry or even one company, though the skills are often 
applicable more widely.
  As the President-elect and Congress work to save and create jobs 
through additional funding for infrastructure, green jobs, and similar 
programs, among other things, it is even more critical that employers 
be able to find qualified workers for a variety of positions. Workers 
who can easily demonstrate their skills quickly and easily will be able 
to benefit from such investments early on.
  Over the past two decades, the Federal Government has taken 
conflicting approaches to skills standards certifications. That is why, 
as part of the Skills Standards Certification Evaluation Act, I require 
a recommendation from the Secretaries of Labor and Commerce on how 
Congress ought to move forward with funding for these certification 
programs. Both the national, top-down, and a local, bottom-up approach 
have been tried, and a thorough evaluation will make clear how we can 
move forward to get the most out of the funding the Federal Government 
provides.
  These certifications have a tremendous benefit for workers. First, 
because the training is often condensed into a few weeks with a 
flexible schedule, it allows people to complete certifications without 
leaving a current job and without the financial cost of attending a 
full-time program that lasts a year or more. In addition, these 
programs allow workers to clearly demonstrate a certain set of skills, 
and may open more doors for higher-paying employment. Because these 
programs can be completed without leaving work, they also allow workers 
to advance within a career or company to more skilled positions and 
better wages and benefits.
  For employers, Skills Standards Certifications can simplify the 
search for employees. I have heard from numerous Wisconsin employers, 
especially small businesses with limited resources, that it is hard to 
find employees with the skills they need, or who will be dedicated and 
loyal. Skills Standards Certifications clearly show the qualification 
of an individual, of course, but also tell the employer that he or she 
is dedicated enough to invest in the course to earn the certificate. 
Very few people will spend the time and money to enroll in such a 
program if they don't intend to use the certificate.
  Lastly, these programs can help state and local governments quantify 
their skilled workforce, which can be invaluable when marketing the 
area to businesses and investment.
  This bill is a small first step in what I hope can be a continuing 
effort to help hard-working Americans obtain and use high-demand work 
skills.
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