[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 7, 1992]
[Pages 1498-1499]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Statement on Signing the Job Training Reform Amendments of 1992
September 7, 1992

    Today I am pleased to sign into law H.R. 3033, the ``Job Training 
Reform Amendments of 1992.'' I believe this legislation, which amends 
the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA), will improve an already 
successful large-scale job training program and make it more responsive 
to the labor market of the 1990's.

[[Page 1499]]

    H.R. 3033 will make a major contribution to enhancing the 
employability of disadvantaged youth and adults. I am particularly 
pleased that H.R. 3033 incorporates the key features of the 
Administration's proposal to amend the JTPA.
    First, the legislation will maintain the local flexibility and 
system of performance standards that are the cornerstones of the current 
JTPA program.
    Second, it will target services on youth and adults who are most at 
risk of failure in the job market, including those who lack basic 
skills, are high school dropouts, or are dependent on welfare.
    Third, H.R. 3033 will enhance program quality by providing more 
intensive and comprehensive services to participants. These services 
include an assessment of each participant's skill levels and service 
needs and the development of individualized service strategies based on 
the assessment. In addition, participants will receive basic and 
occupational skills training tied to labor market opportunities that 
will promote the long-term employability, job placement, and job 
retention of participants.
    Fourth, the legislation will strengthen program accountability by 
including significant fiscal and administrative improvements.
    Fifth, these amendments will provide for a more comprehensive, 
coordinated human resource system by establishing linkages between 
Federal programs that will avoid duplication and enhance the delivery of 
services. For example, Governors will have the authority to establish 
State Human Resource Investment Councils to oversee the coordination of 
Federal human resource programs at the State level. Coordination of such 
programs is a key element in my Job Training 2000 proposal. I am very 
pleased to have this important step in place as a foundation for Job 
Training 2000.
    In addition, these amendments will establish the innovative Youth 
Fair Chance program designed to stimulate communitywide action that will 
provide education and employment opportunities to youth who live in 
poor, inner city neighborhoods and rural areas. This program will be a 
vital supplement to our Weed and Seed, Youth Training Corps, Treat and 
Train, and other urban youth initiatives.
    These features of the legislation are essential to improving the 
already successful track record of the JTPA in providing training and 
jobs to our most disadvantaged citizens. I wish to express my 
appreciation for the cooperation that has been exhibited on all sides 
and has made possible a stronger, more effective Federal job training 
system.
    Finally, I must note that although the Supreme Court has ruled that 
the Congress and the executive branch may provide benefits to members of 
Indian tribes, as opposed to Indians defined as a racial group, and I 
support efforts to offer such benefits, this bill appears to provide 
some benefits to Alaskan Natives and Hawaiian Natives, as well as other 
Native Americans in some instances, on the basis of racial categories. I 
am directing the Secretary of Labor and the Attorney General to consult 
about whether these provisions can be carried out in a constitutional 
manner.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
September 7, 1992.

                    Note: H.R. 3033, approved September 7, was assigned 
                        Public Law No. 102-367.