Legislation encourages charitable contributions community-based apprenticeship initiatives, workforce development

Legislation recently introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would encourage charitable donations for community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education, and workforce development.

Under the USA Workforce Tax Credit Act, eligible nonprofit organizations include community colleges, community organizations, educational institutions, labor union-affiliated groups, scholarship groups, and nonprofit training institutes.

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA), who introduced the bill, announced it at a press conference on Monday during his tours of Eden Tool Co. and Eden Manufacturing in New Freedom.

“We know that workforce development programs and career and technical education programs can help individuals develop the skills needed to find a great career, find that family-sustaining job, and help them move up the ladder of economic mobility,” Smucker said. “That’s why I’m introducing the USA Workforce Tax Credit Act, to create more opportunities for individuals to learn the skills that will help them succeed.”

Smucker said that finding workers to fill their open jobs is the top concern of small-business owners, Smucker said.

According to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, there are nearly 11 million available jobs nationwide.

The legislation has the support of the Manufacturers’ Association, the York County Alliance for Learning, the Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, and Eden President David Tomic.