Opinion ID: 452961
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Job Training Partnership Act

Text: 29 Appellants argue that the DOL did not provide a rationale for the formula and that the DOL failed to consider comments as required by the JTPA. Both contentions must be rejected. The DOL's resort to 1980 Census data was a major policy shift mandated by Congress. The Department determined that the 1980 Census data best meets the JTPA, Section 162(a) 'latest available data' requirement. 44 The formula was chosen because it was most consistent with the will of Congress. 45 30 After reviewing the administrative record, we agree with the district court that the DOL responded in a reasonable manner to the important comments that were submitted. The agency explained that Census occupational data was superior to Social Security industrial data since it counted only persons actually performing agricultural work, and described the Census allocation formula that was used. The agency furthermore promised on-going review and analysis of data sources in future years. 46 31