[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 72 (Tuesday, May 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1117]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              SUPPORTING NATIONAL COMMUNITY COLLEGE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. RON KLEIN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 5, 2009

  Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. 
Res. 338, supporting the goals and ideals of National Community College 
Month.
  Community colleges offer the opportunity of an affordable college 
education to students, working adults with busy schedules and people 
looking for an alternative to a traditional liberal arts education. 
Their programs help address some of the most pressing workforce demands 
in our country, including nursing, engineering technology, allied 
health, law enforcement and computer technology among others. More 
recently, community colleges have heeded the call for skilled workers 
necessary to build and maintain wind and water turbines, solar panels 
and other technology needed to produce a clean, renewable energy 
infrastructure here in the United States.
  During these tough economic times, the need for advanced education 
and skills is more important than ever to finding well paid work in an 
increasingly competitive workforce. Community colleges like Palm Beach 
Community College and Broward College located in my congressional 
district offer customized continuing education programs to fit the 
needs of emerging and evolving industries in our community--with 
online, distance learning courses to better accommodate working adults 
with families and busy work schedules. The flexibility and 
affordability of many community college programs allows Americans from 
every walk of life to pursue an advanced degree or certification that 
they may not have had the opportunity to pursue otherwise.
  By providing everyone in the United States with the opportunity to 
further their education, we can build a more competitive, innovative 
workforce, capable of addressing the most pressing issues of our time, 
and restoring our place as a leader in the global economy. Community 
colleges will play a vital role in preparing young people and adults 
looking to further their education, with the skills they need to 
advance their careers, provide for their families, and get our economy 
back on track.

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