Smucker Introduces Bill to Create New Tax Credit to Support Workforce Development and Apprenticeships

Press Release

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-16) today introduced legislation to address the urgent need to ensure current and future workers are prepared for jobs in today's 21st century economy.

The USA Workforce Tax Credit Act would establish a new federal tax credit that will encourage charitable donations for community-based apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, workforce development, and educational preparedness.

"One of the best ways to lift people up and provide more opportunity is to connect them with good-paying, family-sustaining jobs," said Rep. Smucker. "When I was operating a small construction company, I saw the skills gap firsthand. There were times when we couldn't expand our business and create more jobs because workers were simply unavailable. The goal of this legislation is to encourage investment in organizations and programs that are preparing individuals for the jobs of today."

Today there are more than 4.5 million jobs available, including 400,000 in the manufacturing sector. The tax credit would be capped at $2 billion annually, beginning in tax year 2018.

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