United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Supports Bi-Partisan Congressional Amendment to FY2011 Continuing Resolution on Gainful Employment

WASHINGTON, Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), which represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses and over 200 local chambers of commerce nationwide, registers its support today for the bi-partisan Congressional amendment to de-fund the Department of Education's proposed Gainful Employment regulation.

USHCC President & CEO, Javier Palomarez said: "America's employers, including Hispanic Business Enterprises, depend on career colleges to train and prepare skilled workers to fill open positions throughout the economy. Each year, our businesses offer gainful employment to hundreds of thousands of career school graduates in dozens of demanding professions from nurses and health care aides, to computer technicians and chefs, from legal assistants and teachers to security and accounting professionals."

The USHCC applauds the efforts by Representatives John Kline, Virginia Foxx, Alcee Hastings and Carolyn McCarthy in introducing an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution on Gainful Employment this week that will block funding of this proposed regulation.  Hispanics are projected to comprise 20 percent of the US population by 2011 and are also the fastest growing segment of young workers.  USHCC Chairman, Nina Vaca Humrichouse said: "Regrettably, Hispanics also have the lowest high school and college completion rates of any racial or ethnic group.  However, with flexible class schedules, focused career programs, and job placement assistance, for-profit education is meeting the specific needs of these non-traditional students and allowing them to be competitive in this challenging economy."

In the interest of strengthening our economy and increasing the supply of trained workers, the USHCC encourages the other Members of Congress to support the amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 Continuing Resolution on Gainful Employment.

About the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Founded in 1979, the USHCC actively promotes the economic growth and development of Hispanic entrepreneurs and represents the interests of nearly 3 million Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States that generate nearly $400 billion annually. It also serves as the umbrella organization for more than 200 local Hispanic chambers in the United States and Puerto Rico.

SOURCE United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce