By Eric Stock
WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, wants a second chance for his bill to help the unemployed get a second chance at a job.
Davis told WJBC’s Scott Laughlin he has reintroduced the Opportunity KNOCKS Act, which enables those who get job training to keep their unemployment. KNOCKS stands for Kindling New Options for Career and Knowledge Seeking.
If training isn’t approved by what Davis called ‘an overly-complicated Workforce Investment Act,’ trainees could lose jobless benefits.
PODCAST: Listen to Scott and Colleen’s interview with Davis on WJBC.
“It allows simplicity and it allows flexibility and it makes sure the bureaucracy doesn’t determine whether families have the ability to get the training they desire,” Davis said.
“Families at this point in time, in many cases, have to choose between remaining on unemployment and get training for the job they want and they know is available,” Davis said. “The government shouldn’t be forcing families to make that decision.”
Davis first introduced the measure two years ago, but House leaders didn’t bring it up for a hearing.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
