Job Training Funds

We would like to set the record straight. In a Commentary article (“Yearning for Safe Streets and Secure Futures for Kids,” May 3), Roderick Wright stated that the city “allowed the loss of $20 million to $30 million in job training funds.” This is simply not correct. No funds have been returned to the state. The state requirement is that at least 90% of a jurisdiction’s job training funds be spent each year. Last year the city expended 99.9% of its primary Job Training Partnership Act Grant. Of $35,708,524 available, all but $38,850 was expended. These funds were carried forward to be used in this year’s training. Indeed, the city received $363,304 over and above its basic grant in funds recaptured from other jurisdictions which underspent.

Los Angeles takes its obligation to the unemployed and disadvantaged very seriously. Last year, through the work of the Private Industry Council, city staff and dozens of community-based organizations, training schools and public institutions, more than 11,000 economically disadvantaged youths and adults were provided employment training services. Furthermore, for the sixth year in a row, the city met or exceeded the state’s job training performance standards. As a result, the city has received over $5.7 million of performance bonus funds to serve its residents beyond its basic grant funds.

PARKER C. ANDERSON, General Manager, Community Development Department

THOMAS V. McKERNAN JR., Chair, Private Industry Council, Los Angeles