State Senator Toni Nathaniel Harp
June 19, 2009
Harp Directs Senate Approval of Bill to Fund Broad Job Training Programs
State Senator Toni N. Harp (D-New Haven), Senate Chair of the legislature’s Appropriations Committee, today won Senate approval for a bill with a provision to underwrite critical job training and employment programs. An appropriation of $30.3 million will position the state to implement the full intentions of The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), Senator Harp explained.
After today’s successful Senate vote in Special Session the Emergency Certified bill advanced to the House of Representatives for its consideration.
“The three elements of this employment initiative, summertime jobs for young people, assistance for displaced workers, and special programs for the underemployed, are key to the vision we have for economic stimulus in our state,” Senator Harp said. “The resulting jobs will not only keep money circulating through local shops and businesses, it will lift the morale of those who would otherwise have another reason to be discouraged.”
Senator Harp said the employment programs, to be administered by the state Department of Labor, will include assessments and evaluations, training services to help workers acquire specific skills, and direct summer employment for young people between the ages of 18 and 24.
“Funding for these programs will help the state in both the short term and for the future, because they will help residents find jobs now when they need them, and help build a well-trained, highly competent workforce going forward,” Senator Harp said. “Likewise, these programs provide direct assistance to the state’s labor pool and help employers, too, providing an ample supply of qualified, capable employees.”
“With today’s vote I’m now confident we can have the funding in place by the first of July, and it is certainly my hope to do so,” Senator Harp added.
Senator Harp is serving her ninth term in the General Assembly. In addition to her responsibility for the Appropriations Committee, she serves on the Legislative Management and Executive and Legislative Nominations Committees.
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