House Approves Allen Amendment to Promote Adult Education
Washington, D.C.—The House of Representatives voted on 5/8 to accept an amendment offered by U.S. Representative Tom Allen to H.R. 1261, The Workforce Reinvestment and Adult Education Act of 2003. The Allen amendment retains a provision in current law that ensures advocates for adult education will be represented on Workforce Investment Boards.
“My amendment simply continues what has been the practice under existing law,” Representative Allen said. “It acknowledges that maintaining strong and constant communication between the business and education communities concerning their needs and goals is essential to assure a qualified and competent workforce. This issue was brought to my attention by Maine advocates for adult education. By approving my amendment, the House has recognized the importance of effective adult education to a quality workforce.”
H.R. 1261 would retain many aspects of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA); however, it would repeal a provision in current law which requires representation from adult education and literacy programs on Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs). State Governors appoint WIBs for communities of 500,000 or more residents and for areas served by a rural concentrated employment program grant recipient. WIBs are responsible for creating an integrated and accountable workforce development system, establishing local performance standards of workforce programs, chartering one stop service career centers, selecting qualified service providers, monitoring performance to ensure accountability and allocating funds for related programs.
contact:
Mark Sullivan
(207)774-5019
TOM ALLEN
Maine Address:
234 Oxford Street
Portland, Maine 04101
207-774-5019
Fax: 207-871-0720 Washington Address:
1717 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
202-225-6116
Fax: 202-225-5590
E-mail: rep.tomallen@mail.house.gov
