National Institute for Literacy
Policy Update
REPORT FROM WASHINGTON, D.C.
Senate Committee Passes Adult Education Legislation
June 21
June 21
The Senate Labor and Human Resources Committee today passed S. 143, the Workforce Development Act of 1995, by a vote of 10-6. The bill consolidates 91 adult education, vocational education, and job training activities into a single block grant to states. It would cut annual funding for these programs from the current level of $10 billion to $7 billion. At least $6.5 billion would be allocated to the states through block grants. It requires states to use 25 percent of these block grant funds for workforce employment activities, 25 percent for workforce education activities, and 50 percent for "flexible" workforce development activities.
During the mark up, the following revisions were made to the bill:
* Senator Kennedy
* Senator Simon
* Senator Ashcroft amendment requires program participants to be drug-free or participating in a drug rehabilitation program.
Under the direction of the Governor, 25 percent of the funds would be used for workforce employment activities. Some of these funds must be used for one-stop centers, which will provide information on job training and education services, including occupational skills training, job counseling, and referrals to academic or occupational training services. This may lead to identifying many more adults who need adult education services, putting an additional burden on the system without additional funding.
State education agencies would receive 25 percent of the funds for workforce education activities will include programs now supported by the Adult Education Act, National Literacy Act, and the Carl Perkins Vocational Education Act. Each state would determine the split between adult and vocational education, then distribute the adult education funds on a competitive basis and vocational education funds under the Perkins formula.
The remaining 50 percent would be used at the Governor's discretion for workforce development activities.
Senators Jim Jeffords (R-Vermont) and Claiborne Pell (D-Rhode Island) proposed an amendment that would set aside funding specifically for adult education. Unless this amendment is passed, "Adult education will be at a considerable disadvantage in the give and take that will lead to dividing the pie with vocational education," according to Senator Pell. It was defeated, 8-8, but is likely to be brought up again. Senator Chris Dodd (D-Connecticut) proposed restoring summer employment programs for at-risk youth. Senator John Ashcroft (R-Missouri) proposed requiring individuals to have a high school diploma or GED before they can participate in any adult education or training program.
The mark up will continue on June 21 and the bill may go to the Senate floor as early as August.