• Release ID: 09-001
• Release Date: 1/5/2009
• Contact: Brian Jones 240-777-7955 or Neil H. Greenberger240-777-7939
• From:

Councilmember Knapp, Executive Leggett Outline Workforce Needs for Stimulus

They Detail Why Montgomery Needs Federal Stimulus Funds; Program Could Be National Model on Employment

ROCKVILLE, Md., January 5, 2009—Montgomery County Councilmember Mike Knapp (D-District 2) and County Executive Isiah Leggett today outlined the workforce needs of Montgomery County that should be funded by the federal economic stimulus package to be offered by the Obama Administration and considered by the 111th Congress. The program to train the unemployed to fill jobs in need of skilled employees could serve as a national model on how to use economic stimulus funds to spur employment.

Councilmember Knapp and County Executive Leggett were joined at a news conference today in Rockville by Joan Kleinman, who was representing Congressman Chris Van Hollen, and Carrie Shelton, chair of the County’s Workforce Investment Board. In addition to calling for assistance from the federal government, they also encouraged a greater investment of state funding to stimulate workforce needs.

Councilmember Knapp and County Executive Leggett emphasized the need for federal assistance that they believe should include job training dollars because, in locations like Montgomery County, there are still jobs that need to be filled and could be by unemployed individuals with additional training. Funds could be applied to training programs or to pay for educational opportunities that would prepare workers for positions that are in need of employees. They also will call on the state to use resources it receives from the federal government toward worker training.

Councilmember Knapp said he hoped Montgomery County could receive $1 million in federal stimulus for workforce training and the Washington Region overall could receive between $2 million and $4 million.

“If we can show here how to invest in our workers, what a great example it would be for the rest of the country,” said Councilmember Knapp. “What better way to use economic stimulus money than to put people back to work? We know that there are specific jobs out there. We just need to train people so they can get those jobs.”

Montgomery County reflects trends throughout the Washington region, and much of the nation, with the need to retrain workers for potential jobs in fields such as health care, knowledge economy and administrative support. Among the specific fields identified as having available positions for trained applicants included: registered nurses; radiologic technologists and technicians; real estate sales agents; licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses; computer support specialists; fitness trainers and aerobics instructors; automotive service technicians and mechanics; and executive secretaries and administrative assistants.

“Several weeks ago I sent a 26-page list of ‘ready to go’ projects to our U.S. Senators and Members of Congress for inclusion in the stimulus program being shaped by President-Elect Obama and Congressional leaders,” said County Executive Leggett. “That was the bricks-and-mortar piece, but, of course, our greatest resource is our people.

“Any federal stimulus has to bolster our County workforce development programs so we can help individuals and employers. The stimulus package can help us prepare folks for jobs that are available right now—and for jobs for the future.

“Right now we have increased demand for services at the same time as the federal dollars supporting our one-stop centers has decreased. We are operating with approximately 13 percent fewer dollars than last year.”

Congressman Van Hollen said he would like to work with the County on a program to retrain more workers.

“Thanks to Councilmember Knapp and County Executive Leggett, as well as the Montgomery County Workforce Investment Board, for identifying these opportunities in the County,” said Congressman Van Hollen. “As Franklin Roosevelt said, in times of economic uncertainty, ‘Our greatest primary task is to put people to work.’ I look forward to working with the County as we develop not only short-term stimulus, but long-term workforce investment strategies.”

» Return to Press Release