As Congress gets set to debate a final version of a new farm bill this summer, one of the negotiators wants to ensure job training requirements are included.
U.S. Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Taylorville, is one of 29 Republicans named to the committee that will iron out a final version of the agriculture and nutrition bill.
“Why wouldn’t we provide through an existing program, through SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the ability to pay for their schooling to go to Heartland Community College and get training that they need to lift themselves out of poverty?” Davis said.
The House version of the farm bill calls for stronger work requirements while providing money for the job training.
“I can’t see how any of my colleagues on either side of the aisle would want to deny families the ability to have another flexible option to go back and get training and certification they need to get the jobs we know are available, even at places like Bridgestone,” Davis said.
The Bridgestone plant in Normal recently announced plans to add 30 jobs as part of a $12 million investment.
Democrats have opposed the tougher work requirements, arguing they will lead to more food insecurity.
Davis represents parts of Bloomington-Normal. He was in Bloomington on Monday to meet with officials from Mid Central Community Action on the agency's efforts to combat poverty.
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