Speech #930093709

I particularly commend the provision for assuring participation by those who would be directly affected by these manpower programs. in their planning and evaluation. through the requirement that prime sponsors be willing to set up broadly based employment and training councils. These councils can also help assure that actual jobs are available at the end of the job training tunnel. a requirement that must be given the highest importance in the future funding of manpower programs. I am also gratified that certain programs will remain the direct responsibility of the Secretary of Laborincluding the Job Corps and programs for Indians and migrants. An Indian on a reservation confronts pervasive unemployment frequently in excess of 50 percent. while the Indian relocated to the city under a seriously misconceived priority of Indian manpower programs experiences not only frequent joblessness but also profound cultural shock and extensive discrimination. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers. already at the bottom of the economic ladder. are severely restricted in participation in manpower development and training programs and in obtaining job opportunity information. It is essential that Federal assistance funds be earmarked to assure an equitable allocation of manpower program services to these important sectors of our population. Senators will also recall my contlnuing direct interest in maintaining the Job Corps. most recently in support of continuing the level of funding for fiscal 1974 at $183.4 million. in connection with final congressional action on the latest continuing appropriations legislation.