Here’s a quick look at the news from last week (March 12-16) in Washington.

ADMINISTRATION
On March 12, the President released details on his plan to provide Americans with Job Training and Employment Services.

HOUSE
The House was in recess last week.

The House Committee on Education & the Workforce will hold a hearing with Labor Secretary Solis on March 21 to review the Labor Department’s FY13 budget proposals.

House Republicans and Democrats continue to work on WIA reauthorization proposals.

SENATE
Senator Harkin and his staff continue work on the “Rebuilding America Act” which contains a variety of issues that impact education and training policy. The bill will likely include provisions dealing with school construction, reforming teacher colleges, job training, and support for community colleges and child care, among other topics.

APPROPRIATIONS/BUDGET
Hearings on the FY13 Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations bill will begin this month with Secretary Duncan testifying on March 22 before the House Appropriations Subcommittee.  The subcommittee will also hold a hearing on K-12 portions of the budget request on March 27, Labor Secretary Hilda Solis will testify on March 28, and the subcommittee will take testimony from public witnesses on March 29 (full schedule here). Congress is not expected to complete the appropriations process before the upcoming November election.