Kwame Commends Council for Final Passage of “Training for Jobs Now” Act

WASHINGTON – Today, At-Large Councilmember Kwame R. Brown commended the Council of the District of Columbia for voting unanimously to pass on final reading the “Get DC Residents Training for Jobs Now Temporary Act of 2008.” Councilmember Brown authored the legislation, which was co-introduced by Ward 5 Councilmember Harry Thomas, Jr. The legislation requires the Mayor to establish an evening and weekend adult career training plan that provides for training to begin in the summer of 2009.

“In an economic boom the staggering number of unemployed residents, residents with problematic mortgages and skyrocketing rents would be of concern,” said Councilmember Brown. “Right now, we are in a job training crisis and require an immediate plan to fix the significant hurdles faced by many of our residents. I commend the Council for taking swift action to address this need. I call on Mayor Fenty to act quickly and sign the legislation into law.”

“Too often the jobs in the District of Columbia are not going to District residents and lack of training contributes to the problem,” said Council Chairman Vincent C. Gray. “Expanding adult career training can help our residents to better prepare for the job market, particularly now when unemployment is rising and families are struggling to deal with the financial crisis.”

“One in ten residents of Ward 5 is unemployed,” said Councilmember Thomas. “Expanding access to evening and adult weekend job training programs at Phelps and other schools will help us reach and serve more residents who can benefit from training in today’s competitive job market.” Ward 5 is home to the Phelps Architecture, Construction and Engineering High School, a target school of the legislation.

“This program for more jobs makes sense,” said Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward One).  “Quality job training for adults is critical. With its existing vocational schools, Cardozo High School is well equipped for this effort.” The Academy of Construction and Design at Cardozo Senior High School resides in Ward 1.

The legislation tasks the Mayor with establishing evening and weekend adult career technical education programs in three District owned facilities currently offering career technical training programs for high school students within 90 days. The Academy of Construction and Design at Cardozo Senior High School, the Hospitality High School at Roosevelt, and Phelps Vocational High School are the schools targeted by the legislation.

Nationwide, the United States has lost an estimated 2 million jobs or more as a result of the recession. In FY 2007, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the Census Bureau noted that there was a 17.1% rate of poverty in the District, compared to a 13% rate nationwide. This number jumps to a 25.7% rate of poverty for those under 18, compared to a national rate of 18%. The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that the District’s unemployment rate was 7% in October of 2008.

“Access to technical career training makes it possible for residents to get a job with a livable wage without a college degree,” said Councilmember Brown. “There are residents who need jobs now but they will not be able to take advantage of upcoming projects without proper training and skills.”

To address these concerns on a national level, President-Elect Barack Obama is expected to propose a national stimulus plan that would invest heavily in local infrastructure projects. Councilmember Brown, who has made job training a top priority for his new term, believes that creating an adult career technical education plan now in anticipation of President-Elect Obama’s plan, prepares residents for future jobs.

For more information or to interview Councilmember Brown, please contact Press Secretary Michael Price at 202-445-4510 or mprice@dccouncil.us.

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