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Entering Fourth of July Recess, Congress Struggles to Keep Appropriations Deadlines
Lawmakers in both the House and the Senate enter the Fourth of July Recess (June 29 – July 4) with a full agenda and tight legislative schedule, uncertain about whether they will finish the 12 appropriations bills by their self-imposed deadline of September 30.
The House has passed four FY 2010 spending measures, including the Commerce, Justice and Science, Legislative Branch, Defense and Homeland Security bills. The Senate has yet to pass any of the 12 spending bills after failing this week to complete work on Legislative Branch and Commerce-Justice-Science bills. Democrats have indicated that an omnibus measure is likely without constraints on amendments, yet Republicans in both chambers are protesting amendment limitations by the majority party claiming they are undemocratic. In lieu of 12 completed appropriations bill, an omnibus bill would prevent a government shutdown and keep programs funded at current-year levels. Lawmakers plan to push for completion of select bills following next week’s recess.
The Senate’s struggle to move ahead with appropriations measures indicates that Democratic hopes of getting healthcare legislation to the floor this summer are fading, and that a fall vote is becoming increasingly likely. A key markup of the legislation by the Senate Finance Committee has been postponed until after the Congressional recess.
Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis Announces DOL Competitive Grants for Green Jobs Training
On Wednesday, June 24, Department of Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced grant competitions for the $500 million for green jobs training provided by Congress as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). She outlined that the funding will be split into five separate grant competitions for strategic partnerships and other entities to prepare workers for careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy industries.
Four of the competitions announced are designed to serve workers in need of training through various national, state and community outlets: Energy Training Partnership Grants; Pathways Out of Poverty Grants; State Energy Sector Partnership and Training Grants; and Green Capacity Building Grants. The fifth competition, for State Labor Market Information Improvement Grants, will fund state workforce agencies that will collect, analyze and disseminate labor market information and develop labor exchange infrastructure to direct individuals to careers in green industries. Detailed information on grant opportunities can be found in each grant solicitation.
To access a summary of each grant opportunity, as well as links to the full grant announcements, click here http://www.doleta.gov/grants/find_grants.cfm.
Oates Confirmed as Assistant Secretary of Labor, Kline Appointed Ranking Member of House, Education and Labor Committee
On Friday, June 19, Jane Oates was confirmed as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Employment and Training Administration at the Department of Labor. Oates served for many years on Senator Edward Kennedy’s staff for the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, and was most recently an education advisor to New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine.
Representative John Kline (MN) has been selected to serve as ranking member of the House Education and Labor Committee, following the departure of Representative Buck McKeon (CA) who is leaving to serve as ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee. Kline previously served as a ranking member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions subcommittee.
House to Consider Climate Change Bill; Provides Funding for Energy Worker Training
The House is set to vote on The American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (HR 2454) later today after Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (CA) made a push for votes from moderate Republicans earlier this week. The bill increases Workforce Investment Act funding for the Energy Worker Training Program from $125 million to $150 million. The measure also authorizes funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act for programs of study focused on emerging careers in renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change mitigation; and for the Climate Change Worker Adjustment Assistance Program, which provides assistance to workers adversely affected by the requirements of the Clean Air Act.
Department of Education Selects Five States to Receive Technical Assistance for Green Career and Technical Programs of Study
On June 22, the U.S. Department of Education announced its National Research Center for Career and Technical Education will provide technical assistance in developing green-focused career and technical education “programs of study” in Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio and Oregon. The green areas in which the states plan to develop programs of study are: Georgia — energy, construction and transportation; Illinois — energy, utilities and waste management; New Jersey — various industries; Ohio — energy, biotechnology and agriculture; and Oregon — wind, solar and construction.
The programs of study will include both secondary and postsecondary elements, with rigorous academic and technical content ultimately leading to a post-high school, credential or associate or baccalaureate degree recognized by the green industry. The state teams will attend a three-day technical assistance academy in Washington, DC in winter, 2009 as part of a 14-month process to develop green-focused programs. In addition, states will be provided with a facilitator to provide ongoing assistance and consultation from content experts.
To access the center’s website for more information, click here
http://www.nrccte.org
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