THE WHITE HOUSE AT WORK



Friday, August 7, 1998

PRESIDENT CLINTON:
A STRONG ECONOMY AS WE APPROACH THE 21ST CENTURY

Today, we will put in place the crowning jewel of our Lifetime Learning agenda -- the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 -- to give all our workers the opportunities for growth and advancement. Like many of you, I have worked toward this day through man y long nights. And I am very proud of the result. This bill will help millions of our workers and enhance our nation's competitive edge.

President Bill Clinton
August 7, 1998

Today, President Clinton announces that the unemployment rate remained at 4.5% during July, while the economy created 66,000 new jobs, despite a now-resolved strike by workers at General Motors. The President also signs an important piece of legislati on to help working Americans: The Workforce Investment Act, to modernize America's job training system.

More Evidence that Our Economy Remains Strong. Today, figures were released showing that the unemployment rate remained at 4.5% for July. Under President Clinton:

The Workforce Investment Act. In 1995, the President proposed a G.I. Bill for America's Workers to reform our employment and training system by empowering individuals, streamlining services, enhancing accountability, and increasing flexibility . After three years, Congress passed -- with overwhelming bipartisan support -- legislation that incorporates those principles of the President's original job training reform proposal. This legislation changes the job training system by:



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