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OPA News Release: [05/31/2006]
Contact Name: Melinda
Thielen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676
Release Number:
06-0939-ATL
U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
Addresses
Economic Club of America Attendees
MIAMI — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today
addressed the attendees of a session of the Economic Club of America at their
annual meeting. The meeting brings together corporations, government agencies
and leading business owners. The Secretary's remarks to those in attendance
focused on the success of the president's pro-growth economic policies, the
challenges facing workers in the 21st century and the impact of immigration on
the nation's economy.
"There is a mismatch between the new jobs being created and the skills
of our nation's workforce," said Chao. "This is the core issue surrounding the
debate about wage inequality in our country — there is not a wage gap, as
much as an education and skills gap."
Chao's remarks also reflected the president's message on comprehensive
immigration reform. "The President has acknowledged that securing our nation's
borders is a basic responsibility and an urgent requirement for national
security. At the same time, we are a nation that has welcomed immigrants and
benefited from their contributions," said Chao. "He is seeking the rational
middle ground — a system that is secure, orderly and fair — an
immigration system that is appropriate for the 21st century."
The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to helping all Americans
contribute to the more efficient functioning of the U.S. economy by providing
high-quality job training, employment, labor market information and
income-maintenance services primarily through state and local workforce
development systems. For more information, visit www.dol.gov.
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