Hoyer Attends Briefing, Tour of Job Match Re-Employment Program to Discuss the Future of Workforce Development in Maryland

Press Release

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) joined constituents and members of the Southern Maryland Workforce Investment Board for a roundtable discussion on the success of the "Job Match Re-Employment" program. They discussed how the Republican budget jeopardizes the availability of these important services to workers and hinders our ability to build a competitive workforce. Under the Republican budget for the remainder of this fiscal year, Maryland could lose upwards of $37.5 million in job training investments, which would impact approximately 195,000 potential Maryland workers.

"Addressing our Nation's deficit remains a top priority for Democrats, but it cannot be done on the backs of our workers," stated Congressman Hoyer. "Our local workforce development programs are successful at providing opportunities -- both for workers to develop new skills and for employers who will rely on a skilled workforce to be successful in a competitive market. Our economy is still recovering from the devastating effects of the recent recession, and with so many still out of work, now is not the time for Republicans' reckless cuts to important investments. We need to invest in job growth here in Maryland today in order to drive a sustainable economic recovery for our state and our nation. "

The Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland opened the Job Match Re-Employment Office in September 2009 -- and it has been extended to June 2011 -- for individuals meeting the following criteria:

* Must live in Calvert, Charles or St. Mary's Counties.
* Must be laid off from previous employer in the past 6-12 months.
* Must have earned a minimum of $40,000 annually from previous employer.

By tailoring individual services and providing opportunities that aid in career transitions, the Job Match Program aims to assist mid- to upper-level wage earners affected by a lay-off in determining their next career move.

In Southern Maryland, the unemployment rate during the recession tripled. The Tri-County Council's Southern Maryland Workforce Investment Board has responded by providing workforce services to approximately 52,000 citizens and 187 businesses in Calvert, Charles & St. Mary's Counties over this past program year ending June 2010. The Workforce Investment System is an essential element of the region's economic recovery and provides a variety of services to the community, including:

* Providing valuable training programs and connections to the business community for first time workers.
* Addressing re-employment and retraining needs of our area residents displaced by the recent economic crisis.
* Providing assistance to young people unable to enter the labor market due to the pronounced lack of available youth employment opportunities.
* Offering a multitude of services and support for adults, dislocated workers, senior citizens and youth in the one-stop centers, including childcare and transportation.

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