Baldwin, Vitter, Kaine Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Boost Maritime and Energy Jobs

Statement

U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), David Vitter (R-LA) and Tim Kaine (D-VA) today introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize creation of a new program to support capacity building to address the critical need for trained workers in the maritime and energy industries. The Maritime and Energy Workforce Technical Training Enhancement Act would establish centers of excellence programs in maritime and energy workforce technical training in addition to awarding competitive grants.

"It is an honor to represent a state with a long and proud maritime manufacturing tradition. Our Made in Wisconsin manufacturing economy has sustained our prosperity for generations and I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation that will continue Wisconsin's legacy and ensure the future viability of our maritime workforce through industry-specific education and training," said Senator Baldwin.

"As we work to grow Louisiana's economy -- especially in the maritime and energy industries -- one of the biggest challenges we face as a state is meeting the demands for a skilled workforce to fill those great jobs. I'm proud to say that this bipartisan legislation will help Louisiana meet that goal," said Senator Vitter. "Senators Baldwin, Kaine and I have introduced the bipartisan Maritime and Energy Workforce Technical Training Enhancement Act in order to empower our young folks so that they can pursue careers in some of our most successful, job-creating industries."

"This bipartisan legislation will empower institutions like Tidewater Community College to harness and grow the Hampton Roads region's maritime workforce so that as the maritime economy develops and new sectors like offshore energy come online, there will be a home-grown local workforce ready to fill those jobs," said Senator Kaine.

"Wisconsin's high-skill marine industry workforce is key to moving Wisconsin's goods to customers around the world. Maritime Centers of Excellence will enable NWTC and other colleges to continue to build our state's export economy and maintain the best maritime workforce in the world," said Dr. H. Jeffrey Rafn, President, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.

"We commend Senator Baldwin for understanding the importance of investing in the maritime industry, which is a strong economic driver in Wisconsin. Over the last five years, one of the greatest concerns of its members is finding a skilled workforce. The Alliance is confident that the Maritime and Energy Workforce Technical Training Enhancement Act will impact the number of individuals trained in good paying maritime manufacturing careers. Without increasing the investment in skills training for marine builders, the industry will not be able to meet the demands for new pleasure craft and most importantly for building and maintaining the Naval fleet to keep the United States secure," said Ann Franz, Director of North Coast Marine Manufacturing Alliance, an industry partnership of the seven ship, yacht, and boat builders in northeast Wisconsin.

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