U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) recently re-introduced two pieces of legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives that would bolster the workforce and Pennsylvania economy.
“Job creation and job preparation must go hand-in-hand,” Smucker said. “Investing in opportunities to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy is a win-win for American workers and businesses.”
The bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act, H.R. 5494, would create a H-2C nonimmigrant visa for employers that can prove job openings have gone unfilled for three consecutive months in areas where the unemployment rate is 7.9 percent or less. The temporary visas will be valid for three years with two potential three-year visa renewals.
During the first year, the program would offer 65,000 visas. This would vary from between 45,000 and 85,000 visas in subsequent years, depending on economic and market conditions.
“This year, restaurant operators are forecast to create 200,000 new jobs, but with a shortage of people in the U.S. workforce, it will be a challenge to fill those jobs. There is no silver bullet that will solve the industry’s recruitment challenge, but the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act creates one opportunity to address the issue,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association.
Rep. Smucker also introduced the USA Workforce Investment Act, H.R. 5493, which would provide a tax credit of up to $1,700 annually for cash donations to eligible nonprofit organizations that offer work force development or apprenticeship training programs.
Currently, 40 percent of business leaders say college graduates are unprepared to enter the workforce, but the federal government only spends $28.2 billion on career and technical college and training.
“Tax incentives for contributions supporting workforce development encourages donors to maximize their gifts to programs that improve the lives of the American people. The USA Workforce Investment Act will foster an environment ensuring apprenticeship programs have the resources to provide first-class instruction for students acquiring skills for success in the building trades,” said Dan Callies, President, Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors – National Association.
U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) cosponsored both bills.