With many companies facing or expecting to face a skills gap in the coming years, help could come from a Pennsylvania Republican’s proposed federal legislation, which would create a pilot program to supercharge investment in career and technical training programs.
The bill is on a fast track toward approval.
“The best antipoverty program is a great job. The number one issue I hear from small businesses is not being able to find skilled workers to fill their open positions,” said U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker, who represents Pennsylvania’s District 11 in Congress. “By investing in career and technical training programs, we can connect individuals to family-sustaining jobs and grow our economy.”
The U.S. House Ways and Means Committee on Sept. 11 passed the USA Workforce Investment Act, H.R. 9461, which Smucker introduced on Sept. 6. The bill now advances to the full chamber for consideration.
H.R. 9461 aims to encourage charitable contributions to community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education, and workforce development programs offered by educational institutions, community organizations, and labor union-affiliated nonprofits, according to a bill summary provided by the congressman’s office.
Eligible programs under this legislation that an individual may donate to and receive the tax credit are tax-exempt organizations, including those under 501(c)(3) and recognized eligible training providers under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, the summary says.
“The cost of college has increased every year since the early 1980s, yet fewer than one in five graduates feel prepared to enter the workforce,” Ways and Means Committee Chairman U.S. Rep. Jason Smith (R-MO) said Wednesday. “Congress has a duty to ensure our education system prepares the next generation of American workers for a 21st-century economy.”
Smith added that workers need more opportunities beyond simply a four-year college degree to learn skills, acquire knowledge, and bring their unique talents to the marketplace.
“Rep. Smucker’s USA Workforce Investment Act of 2024 will help generate more contributions to workforce development and training organizations that will help positively shape the next generation of workers,” he said.