by Nora Edinger
REGIONAL NEWS EDITOR
CHARLESTON -- A bill that would coordinate funds spent for worker training seems to be garnering more consensus than other 2001 legislation.
Here's what area legislators are saying:
Del. Sam Cann, D-Harrison
"We're probably spending in the neighborhood of $300 million a year, including federal funds," said Cann, who chairs the House Economic Development and Small Business Committee.
"What we've failed to do in the past is analyze where these dollars are going, how they are being spent and are we truly training people for the jobs that are out there."
Cann wants to see a better match between training and job availability, in particular.
"You have this huge, massive thing but no one has taken the time to put it all in one pot."
He does not believe passing the bill will be particularly controversial.
Del. A. James Manchin, D-Marion
Manchin, who is also on the economic committee, is in favor of the legislation.
"Far too many times, money is appropriated, they talk about how many jobs are going to be created, but no one follows up.
"We should follow up and see if they are really doing what they said they were going to do."
Regional editor Nora Edinger can be reached at 626-1403 or by e-mail at nedinger@exponent-telegram.com.