Ayotte, Coons Highlight Bipartisan Manufacturing Skills Act

Press Release

U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Chris Coons (D-DE) took to the Senate floor today to highlight bipartisan legislation they introduced to help cities and states build 21st century manufacturing training programs.

In response to feedback she has received from New Hampshire's high-tech manufacturing sector about the growing demand for workers who are skilled in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - or STEM - fields, Senator Ayotte joined Senator Coons in introducing the bipartisan Manufacturing Skills Act in September. The bill would create a fully paid for annual $100 million competitive grant program to support initiatives that strengthen the manufacturing workforce and address regional skills challenges.

"Instead of dictating job training standards from Washington, our bill allows local leaders to build training plans that fit their unique needs," said Ayotte.

She continued: "As I visit manufacturing employers throughout our state, I've been hearing that they are challenged in finding the right workforce for excellent paying jobs and opportunities. What they need are partnerships and help to get that trained workforce in place... Our bill will allow local education institutions to partner with private employers and state and local officials to ensure that the training is valuable and everyone has a stake in ensuring we have the right workforce going forward."

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