As President Trump highlights a week focused on “workforce development,” Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) is calling out the hypocrisy of the President’s policies, which would reduce access to workforce development programs.  President Trump’s proposed budget includes a 35 percent cut to the programs authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which streamlined and modernized our workforce training programs.  This 2014 law was a significant bipartisan accomplishment, passing the House by a vote of 415 to 6 and the Senate 95 to 3.  A study by the Center for American Progress found that President Trump’s proposed cuts would end access to job training for more than 6,500 people in New Hampshire.  

As part of her efforts to enhance worker training and domestic manufacturing, Kuster recently introduced the Workforce Development Investment Act, which would create tax incentives to encourage companies and educators to partner in training programs to help workers gain the skills needed for careers in the 21st Century economy.  The bill would also provide a tax credit to companies that participate in qualified apprenticeship programs, which are a proven tool for developing worker skills and improving wages.  

“In a state like New Hampshire that has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, job training and workforce development is critical,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “We know that too many people are underemployed or working two jobs and if we can help them get the skills for the careers they want, it will be a win-win for workers and employers. It’s disappointing but not surprising that President Trump is undermining his promise to American workers. This week, he’s touting the need to expand workforce development programs while at the same time cutting critical resources for these initiatives. It’s a pattern that has become all too familiar with this Administration; say one thing and do another. We need to invest in the programs that are going to help grow our workforce and economy.”

Kuster’s recently introduced legislation would create a credit to encourage employers to partner with community colleges and career and technical training schools to develop workforce training programs for skills that are in demand within their community or region.  It would also create a separate credit for the cost of direct training conducted as part of an educational partnership or licensed apprenticeship program.  

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