Messer Votes to Support Job Training Initiatives to Get Americans Back to Work

Press Release

Today, Congressman Luke Messer voted in support of H.R. 803, the SKILLS Act.

"The number one issue in Indiana's 6th Congressional District is jobs," said Messer. "Though there are 12 million Americans looking for work, most people would be surprised to know that 3.6 million jobs are unfilled, simply because prospective employees lack the necessary knowledge and training. The SKILLS Act works to address the problem."

There are more than 50 separate programs offered under the current system that costs taxpayers 18 billion dollars, annually. Many of these programs are duplicative and not as effective as they should be. The SKILLS Act will eliminate and streamline 35 ineffective and redundant programs to ensure workers are getting the skills they need to fill available jobs.

The legislation will also eliminate wasteful duplication and empower state leaders, locally-elected officials, and job creators to make the necessary decisions to ensure workers receive training for jobs in high-demand.

"My constituents are tired of the failed Obama economy," said Messer. "Too many times, parents have had to come home and tell their children they've lost their jobs. Too many times in recent years, young people have been unable to find a job. Our nation's job training system has been failing these hard-working taxpayers. We can and we must better prepare our constituents and get Americans back to work."

The SKILLS act passed in a 215 to 202 vote.

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