Heinrich Introduces Bipartisan GROWTH Act to Generate Workforce Opportunities

Statement

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) joined U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) to introduce S. 2620, the Generating Real Opportunities for Workforce Training and Hiring (GROWTH) Act. This bipartisan legislation will support career and technical education opportunities, consistent communication between career and technical education institutions regarding curriculum, and the importance for elementary and secondary education institutions to highlight enrollment in these professions as desirable high-skill, high wage occupations. U.S. Representative Kevin Hern (R-Okla.) introduced the companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

"We need to do more to train our students and workers in the technical skills that employers are looking for, including the construction trades," said Heinrich. "I'm proud to join Senator Inhofe in advancing these proposals to build a stronger workforce pipeline for high-demand, high-paying careers. I'm also pleased that this legislation includes provisions to help military spouses, who sacrifice so much to help service members, advance their careers. I will continue working to advance proposals that make our economy work better for all American families."

"Our economy is booming and more people are employed than ever before," said Inhofe. "However, industries in my state still struggle to find workers with the skillsets necessary to excel and grow. With the GROWTH Act, we can change that. The GROWTH Act addresses a multitude of workforce development areas, providing real, tangible opportunities for young people to choose high-paying, skilled careers. In doing this, businesses will have plenty of incentive to invest back into the workforce."

"Workforce development has been a priority of mine since before coming to Congress," said Hern. "I've spent the last year meeting with skilled-career employers and technical educators to learn what their needs are and how we can close the skills gap. This bill is a tremendous step towards that goal. Almost everyone I spoke with pointed to the same issues: communication between employers and educators, and awareness of technical careers for students. This bill addresses those shortcomings and puts our students on the path to stable employment and high paying jobs. Additionally, this bill will help military spouses pay for vocational schools and helps small businesses gain access to capital, two key points ensuring a strong workforce."

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