|
 Printer-Friendly Version
ETA News Release: [02/13/2006]
Contact Name: David James
Phone Number: 202-693-4676
Release
Number: 06-0271-ATL
Deputy Secretary of Labor Steven J. Law Discusses
President Bush’s Competitiveness Agenda with Augusta Workers
AUGUSTA, Ga. —
Deputy Secretary of Labor Steven J. Law visited the Augusta area today to discuss President Bush’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI), announced in the State of The Union Address. Law highlighted the Department of Labor’s role in implementing the ACI and in preparing American workers for the jobs in the 21st century economy. Law met with workers at the Proctor & Gamble plant and spoke to the Augusta Chamber of Commerce.
The President’s Fiscal Year 2007 budget includes $3.4 billion for a significant enhancement to worker training programs through the creation of Career Advancement Accounts. Funds for these flexible, self-directed accounts would be targeted toward individuals in need of employment assistance — primarily out-of-school youth, low-income adults and dislocated workers — but could be used by incumbent workers to upgrade their skills and by part-time students and others.
“President Bush recognizes the need to help workers upgrade their skills and remain the most competitive in the world,” said Law. “Career Advancement Accounts will give workers a flexible, effective tool to gain high-value skills and pursue exciting career opportunities.”
This funding also could be used by states to provide basic employment services to job seekers and employers, either through a network of community-based career centers or in partnership with the private sector.
Following the President’s State of the Union Address a week earlier, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the WIRED (Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development) initiative, which will invest $195 million in 13 regional economies.
“The only way to address the national challenge of global competition is by building strong regional economies,” said Law. “By bringing together all the key players, including research universities, venture capital firms and traditional organizations of economic and workforce development, regions can build strategies for economic growth through investing in their workforce.”
Procter & Gamble’s (P&G) Augusta synthetic detergent plant began operations in February 1963. Employees participate in profit-sharing and stock purchase plans. P&G’s profit-sharing plan was started in 1887 and is the oldest such plan in the United States. Employees are also covered by an education plan, group life insurance, disability benefits, survivor’s insurance, supplemental accident compensation, as well as dental, prescription drugs, and comprehensive health care plans.
| 
