Pappas, Kind, and Kuster Introduce Legislation to Increase American Families’ Access to Job Training Services

Washington, D.C.- Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), Ron Kind (WI-03), and Annie Kuster (NH-02) introduced the American Job Centers Family Accessibility Act, which will create a childcare program at American Job Centers across the country, easing American families' ability to access their vast array of career and employment services.

Job Centers are well known as a one-stop shop for unemployed and underemployed Americans where they can access a wide variety of federally funded programs including career counseling, reemployment and training services, and unemployment insurance. Despite assisting more than 5,400,000 unemployed workers, including more than 500,000 veterans annually, the lack of availability of childcare remains a large barrier for those trying to access services at job centers.

The American Job Centers Family Accessibility Act will help put Americans back to work by creating a competitive grant program for job centers to provide access to childcare for individuals receiving services at the centers either directly or by partnering with community organizations.

"No parent should have to worry about the care and well-being of their child while working to build a better life for their family," said Congressman Pappas. "The American Job Centers Family Accessibility Act will increase Granite Stater's ability to access the critical services provided by American Job Centers to unemployed individuals by ensuring their children are also cared for while they are receiving career counseling or training. I look forward to finding more ways to make it easier, not harder for Americans to get back to work.

"On average, one year of child care in Wisconsin costs more than one year of in-state college tuition, these astronomical costs create roadblocks for parents trying to find work. This commonsense legislation would give parents access to child care while using the services at job centers to seek employment. It is critical that we make investments to help people get back to work, which will lead to stronger communities and local economies," said Congressman Kind.

"No one should face barriers in accessing the services of American Job Centers and One-Stop Career Centers, which have helped millions of Americans find employment," said Congresswoman Kuster. "This legislation will make it easier for jobseekers with children to find the position that's right for them, and provide peace of mind that their children are being cared for as they undertake this important process. I'm pleased to co-sponsor this legislation, as it is a win-win for Granite State families and our economy."