McConnell Working to Protect Job Corps Facilities and Workers in Kentucky

Statement

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) today contacted U.S. Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta and U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue on behalf of his constituents urging the agencies to reconsider their proposal to close Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers (CCC) in Frenchburg and Pine Knot, Kentucky. The plan could also negatively impact employees and operations at the Great Onyx CCC in Mammoth Cave, Kentucky. The facilities serve constituents in Edmonson, Menifee and McCreary counties in Kentucky and employ more than 100 workers.

"DOL's Job Corps program plays an important role in educating and training our nation's disadvantaged youth. This is especially true in rural and economically depressed areas throughout the nation, including areas of Kentucky served by these CCCs," said Senator McConnell. "These distressed Kentucky counties, with unemployment rates above the national average, need more support, not less. I strongly urged Secretaries Acosta and Perdue to reconsider their planned closures and to work with me to encourage economic growth and job creation in Edmonson, Menifee and McCreary counties."

"From all the employees, students, and communities who benefit from Kentucky's CCC's, I'm so thankful for Senator McConnell's support of our program," said Larry King of McCreary County, former Vice President of CCCs and past president of the National Forest Service Council. "Over the years, Senator McConnell has demonstrated his leadership for Kentucky workers and families countless times, and we are so grateful to have him as our voice in Washington."

Source