WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (KY-05) is taking action this week to save jobs and to keep vital programs open at Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers (CCC) across the country. On Tuesday, Rogers supported passage of an amendment that would prohibit elimination of the nine Job Corps Civilian Conservation Centers (CCC) that are slated for closure on September 30, 2019, including the Pine Knot facility in southern Kentucky. 

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unexpectedly announced termination and reorganization efforts for all 25 Job Corps CCC facilities across the country last week, cutting off vital job training programs for at-risk youth, laying off hundreds of employees and eliminating important forest service projects. 

Rogers and several of his colleagues also sent a joint letter to USDA Secretary Perdue and DOL Secretary Acosta on Wednesday in opposition of the proposed terminations, requesting a new path forward to sustain the programs.

"The USDA and DOL have provided very little information on why they have designated Pine Knot and these other centers for closure, and even less information to the many Forest Service employees who will lose their jobs in just a few months' time," said Congressman Rogers. "I have enjoyed being a part of several Job Corps events over the years and seeing the impact of these programs on both the young participants and the communities they serve. The Civilian Conservation Centers are an important part of the Job Corps' mission tailored to the needs in our National Forest system."

The Newhouse Job Corps Amendment was passed by the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, with Rogers' support. The amendment is part of the Fiscal Year 2020 Agriculture House Appropriations Bill.

Click here to view the joint letter to Sec. Perdue and Sec. Acosta.