U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

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Office of Public Affairs

OPA Press Release: Labor Secretary Chao Highlights Win-Win Budget, Funds Priorities, Demonstrates Restraint[04/09/2001]

WASHINGTON - Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced details of the president's budget request for the Department that doubles the funding for a key disability office, exhibits spending restraint and still maintains the highest levels of funding for enforcement of worker protection laws in decades.

"At the Department of Labor, we're providing hope and vision for a new generation, while responsibly spending the taxpayers' money," Chao said. "One of the most important features of the president's budget for working families is a major reduction in tax rates that benefits all Americans."

Chao also announced budgetary authority for the Department's new Office of Disability Employment Policy, to support the president's New Freedom Initiative, helping Americans with disabilities tap into new technologies to enter the economic mainstream. The 2002 budget contains an additional $20.3 million and creates 10 full-time positions for the new office.

"It is not only important to give people with disabilities training and access to assistive technology, but also the ability to become more active citizens in their communities," the Secretary said.

Chao also highlighted further plans for an Office of the 21st Century Workforce to be located within the Department. Its first task will be to organize a Summit on the 21st Century Workforce in June, where the Secretary will call on leaders from business, labor unions, government and academia to address structural changes that are affecting the U.S. workforce and economy.

"The highest priority of the 21st Century Department of Labor is to ensure the development of a workforce that is ready for the future. Every worker should have as fulfilling and financially rewarding a career as they aspire to have," Chao said.

The fiscal year 2002 budget request includes $44.4 billion in budget authority with $11.3 billion of that amount in discretionary spending. It also provides for a staffing level of 17,483 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions. The 2002 request maintains the Department's labor enforcement functions at fiscal year 2001 levels, ensuring the day-to-day mission of protecting America's working men, women and families. Since 1996 the Department has realized a 36 percent increase in worker protection programs- significantly outpacing inflation.