http://www.wcpo.com/news/2006/local/05/15/jobs.html

Butler Co. Commissioner Proposes Job Training for Americans

Reported by: Bill Price
Web produced by: Laura Hornsby
Photographed by: 9News
First posted: 5/15/2006 12:51:03 PM
A Butler County official says local governments may have a big role to play in the national debate over illegal immigrants.

Butler County Commissioner Michael Fox is proposing a unique job training program to help local residents take over jobs currently held by illegal immigrants.

He says the county and state should establish job programs to get Americans trained for those jobs, especially in the construction and home building industries.

The proposal comes just a week after almost 80 illegal immigrants and their bosses were arrested in Boone County.

Fox says the National Association of Home Builders estimates 20% of its workers are foreign-born and 55% of workers have come to the united states just since 1996.

Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones has taken a tough line on illegal immigrants, buying billboards around the county asking for residents to report instances where illegal immigrants are working.

In general, Fox would like the job program he's proposing for Butler County to include general workforce jobs skills with a focus on the construction industry.

He says the program should train dry wallers, roofers, framers as well as general construction labor.

He wants restaurant training to be included as well.