| Skelton meets with administration officials to discuss economy, jobs |
By: Press Office of U.S. Rep. Ike Skelton
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Congressman Ike Skelton
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 8, 2009) — Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) recently met with Raymond Jefferson, Assistant Secretary for the Veterans’ Employment and Training Service at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Ed Montgomery, Director of the White House Council on Auto Communities and Workers. Skelton expressed his concerns about the economic hardships currently facing many Show-Me State residents and discussed efforts to reenergize Missouri’s Fourth District economy.
“In our state and across the country, economic recovery remains a top priority for me. Since both the veteran and automobile industries are vital parts of the Fourth District marketplace, I invited Assistant Secretary Jefferson and Director Montgomery to my office as part of an ongoing series of meetings with Administration officials relating to rural job growth,” said Skelton.
Skelton also voiced his concerns about the closure of auto dealerships and the impact of a slow auto market on auto part manufacturers in rural America.
“I wanted to speak directly with Dr. Montgomery about the Administration’s plans to assist rural towns that have been impacted by the downturn in the auto industry and about rural auto dealerships that have been forced to close as a result of federal bankruptcy proceedings. Auto parts makers, automobile manufacturers, and car dealerships have been hurt terribly by the recession. Without a concerted effort to revitalize this sector of our economy and to retrain those whose jobs have been lost, many Missourians will continue having trouble finding a new job.
“And, as we rebuild our rural economy, we must ensure that those who have risked their lives for our freedoms have the skills to compete and succeed in the 21st Century global economy. It is vital that we prepare our workforce to prosper in the coming years, and it is our duty to guarantee that veterans are not left behind.
“I was encouraged by my conversations with Dr. Montgomery and Assistant Secretary Jefferson, but more work remains. I will not be satisfied until the economy improves and will continue working with my Republican and Democratic colleagues and with the Administration to help spur job growth in rural Missouri and our nation,” stated Skelton.
Congressman Ike Skelton (D-Mo.) serves as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. Congressman Skelton’s website is at www.house.gov/skelton.
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