[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 65 (Thursday, May 9, 2013)]
[House]
[Page H2538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        ENHANCING EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING THROUGH EDUCATION ACT

  (Ms. DelBENE asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. DelBENE. Mr. Speaker, today I'm proud to introduce the bipartisan 
Enhancing Employment and Training through Education Act.
  This bill will help improve access to opportunity for struggling 
families by helping people get jobs and an education while reducing the 
need for government assistance. It will spur pilot projects across the 
country, modeled after my home State of Washington's Supplemental 
Nutrition Assistance Program's employment and training program.
  Washington's program is an extraordinary example because it provides 
targeted education services leading to economic self-sufficiency. This 
focused strategy helps participants gain the necessary skills to 
succeed in their careers.
  Even at the height of the recession, when jobs were scarce, 60 
percent of those enrolled in Washington's programs found employment. In 
one study, less than half of the participants remained on government 
assistance 2 years after starting the program.
  This jobs bill is a prime example of how the government can spend a 
little money now and save a lot in the future. I urge my colleagues to 
support this critical legislation.

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