To help train a highly-skilled, 21^st century workforce in the Granite State, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) today introduced common sense legislation that would provide tax incentives to businesses that partner with community colleges and other educational institutions to strengthen workforce development for students. Kuster’s bill, the Workforce Development Investment Act, would provide tax credits to employers who collaborate with educational institutions to equip students with the skills they need to compete for well-paying jobs.

“Training a highly-skilled, 21^st century workforce is critical for growing our economy, creating jobs, and strengthening the middle class,” Kuster said. “When we invest in our workforce, more young people will stay here in New Hampshire, our students will be more competitive in the job market, and our businesses will be more successful in the economy.”

Kuster’s legislation follows her extensive outreach to business and education leaders from across the Granite State. As part of her ongoing “Congress at Your Company” series, Kuster has visited businesses and community colleges throughout New Hampshire to hear directly from local leaders about ways the federal government can better support private sector job creation and economic growth.

“When I meet with business and education leaders in New Hampshire, one of the first issues they raise is the importance of training a highly-skilled workforce,” Kuster continued. “Right now, there are companies in the Granite State that are looking to hire, but that can’t find workers with the right skills for the job. My bill would help close this skills gap by providing incentives for businesses to team up with local educational institutions to make sure our students are learning the skills they need to compete and succeed in the economy.”

The Workforce Development Investment Act would provide up to $10,000 in annual tax credits to employers that partner with community colleges or other institutions of higher education to improve workforce development for students by:

• Helping develop curriculum;
• Assisting with instruction in the classroom; and
• Providing internships, apprenticeships, or other hands-on educational opportunities for students

Kuster has made workforce development one of her top priorities in Congress. Over the last few months, she has toured and met with staff and students at Keene State College’s Regional Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM), Nashua Community College (NCC), and New Hampshire Technical Institute (NHTI), as well as advanced manufacturers all across the Granite State.

In March, Kuster urged President Obama to establish a Manufacturing Innovation Institute in New Hampshire that would convene businesses, universities and community colleges, and government to drive manufacturing innovation, spur economic growth, and create good middle class jobs. Earlier this month, Kuster also helped unveil the “Make It In America” plan that’s focused on training a 21^st century workforce, encouraging innovation and insourcing, and reviving U.S. manufacturing.

The full text of the bill is attached.

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Press Contact:
Rob Friedlander, (202) 225-5206