Obama Seeks to Restructure Job Training Programs

The Obama administration wants to streamline federal job search and training programs to make it easier for displaced workers to find new careers.

The White House says the current jumble of federal programs is too confusing for many Americans to know where to get help.

The new plan would combine two existing programs that help workers laid off through no fault of their own as a result of downsizing, jobs moving overseas or other reasons.

It would offer money for retraining, stipends to help with child care or transportation costs, and money for job search and relocation.

Most changes would need congressional approval and about $28 billion over 10 years. The White House says the plan would triple the number of workers who get retraining from 150,000 to nearly 500,000.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)