Book Description

This document records the oral and written testimony of persons testifying at Congressional hearings about proposed amendments to change and improve the Job Training Partnership Act (JTPA) of 1982. Witnesses testifying and/or presenting written testimony at the hearings included several Representatives, the Secretary of Labor (Lynn Martin), and representatives of local JTPA programs, Private Industry Councils, literacy programs, unions, and public agencies in the New Jersey and Pennsylvania areas. Witnesses said that there is concern about lack of oversight and fraud in the program, but that audits have found the actual incidence of fraud to be very small. Witnesses also stressed that the program has been successful and that more complicated government regulations could do more harm than good. Changes were suggested to allow the program to serve more than the "cream" of the eligible population, and additional funding was proposed to expand JTPA services to more than the 5 percent that are presently being served. More stringent and specific performance standards were also advocated. (KC)