Evaluation of the Secretary of Labor's Comments on "The Award of Funds to the National Farm Workers Service Center, Inc. Was Poorly Managed"

The Secretary of Labor questioned certain conclusions drawn by GAO in a previous report concerning funds awarded to the National Farm Workers Service Center, Inc. The report questioned the need for a residential English language training program because State and local school officials believed the center's program would duplicate educational opportunities already available through the school system. The Secretary contended that while the Kern County, California, school system attempted to meet farmworkers' needs, its programs did not significantly benefit many workers whose employment and migration patterns precluded them from using the available facilities. The California State Department of Education, however, reported that the number of courses Kern County offers is determined by the number of persons interested in participating. Courses for 20 or more students can be offered at farmworker locations. Thus, the State Department of Education maintained that with very few exceptions all interested persons have a chance to attend courses.