Letter to Barack Obama, President of the United States - State of the Union Should Focus on Jobs, Worker Retraining

Letter

Congressman Bill Enyart (D-Illinois) today called on President Obama to make job creation a high priority in tonight's State of the Union address.

"While there is no shortage of challenges facing our nation today, the single-most important issue for Southern Illinois is jobs," Enyart said. "Workforce development and job training will ensure we're doing all we can to meet the needs of workers and employers in Southern Illinois and across the nation."

Congressman Enyart last week sent a letter to the White House urging President Obama to focus on job creation, specifically workforce retraining, in his State of the Union message.

"Investing in our best asset, our workforce, and revitalizing the manufacturing sector are the best ways to create jobs that sustain a growing middle class now and over the long term," Enyart wrote. Enyart referenced legislation he is sponsoring which would authorize the Department of Labor to support public-private partnerships for workforce training.

The Job Opportunities Between Our Shores (JOBS) Act was introduced last year by Congressman Enyart and House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland). The bill would provide targeted investments to partnerships of community colleges, local workforce investment boards and advanced manufacturing firms to design and implement education and training programs for current and prospective workers.

The legislation is part of the House Democrats' "Make It In America" plan to create jobs by reinvigorating domestic manufacturing.

Enyart has discussed worker retraining with local workforce investment boards and manufacturers across the 12th District and toured community colleges already implementing successful worker retraining programs in Southern Illinois.

"While Wall Street has recovered from the Great Recession, Main Streets in Southern Illinois have not. Our focus must be on making sure the economy is working for everyone, not just those at the top." Enyart said. "I hope that will be the focus of the Congress and the President this year."

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