In this Monday, Oct. 25, 2010 photo, U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, speaks to reporters following a rally in support of three Iowa Supreme Court justices who are up for retention votes in the November election, in Des Moines, Iowa. Harkin says he will not seek re-election in 2014, The Associated Press reports Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Lawmakers probe shortfall in Job Corps program
Published: 09:38:10 PM, Fri 15 February 2013 UTC
WASHINGTON (AP) — House and Senate lawmakers are investigating a nearly $100 million shortfall at the federal Job Corps program that has prompted the Labor Department to freeze enrollment at all 125 job centers around the country.
Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey is calling on the agency's inspector general to investigate possible mismanagement of the program. The budget problems will prevent about 30,000 disadvantaged and at-risk youth from getting job training this year.
Last month, the Job Corps announced it would stop accepting any new enrollees from Jan. 28 until at least June 30.
A Labor Department spokesman did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The program offers free education and vocational job training for students ages 16 to 24 and serves about 60,000 students each year.
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