During a recent hearing on the Fiscal Year 2026 budget request for the U.S. Department of Labor, Senator Susan Collins called on Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer to reconsider halting new enrollments at Maine's Job Corps centers and to rethink the proposed elimination of the program nationwide.
Senator Collins highlighted the success story of Adais Viruet-Torres, a former student at Loring Job Corps Center (LJCC) who overcame homelessness and is now a nurse practitioner. She emphasized that Job Corps serves nearly 500 students annually in Maine and is vital for vulnerable teenagers. The program also employs 129 staff members at Loring, making it one of the largest employers in rural northern Maine.
Collins expressed concern about the Administration's proposal to eliminate Job Corps, arguing that it provides valuable skills and opportunities for students across the country. She shared Viruet-Torres's journey as evidence of its positive impact.
Secretary Chavez-DeRemer acknowledged the importance of supporting vulnerable populations but raised concerns about the sustainability of Job Corps due to its costs and graduation rates. "We agree that this population is somebody we all care about," she said, emphasizing transparency efforts regarding program costs. Chavez-DeRemer stated no final decision had been made yet but noted that reviews were ongoing for every facility.
The discussion underscored differing perspectives on balancing fiscal responsibility with maintaining programs that provide critical support to young people like Viruet-Torres.
