**Kuster discussed the importance of investing in the next generation of workers with local business leaders and WMCC staff**

Littleton, N.H. — Today, Congresswoman Annie Kuster (NH-02) met with Dr. Chuck Lloyd, White Mountains Community College (WMCC) President, and local business leaders to discuss WMCC’s new Advanced Technology Building and programs to train students with the skills they need to join the workforce and connect them with hiring companies. During the visit, Kuster discussed her bill, the Workforce Development Investment Act, to build the next generation of workers through educational courses and hands-on training at community colleges nationwide. The legislation has been endorsed by the New England Council and Community College System of NH.

“New Hampshire has the lowest unemployment rate in the country, and employers are still struggling to hire the workers they need,” said Congresswoman Kuster. “It was wonderful to see how WMCC is working to invest in the next generation of workers to fuel our local economy and help their students break into new career paths after they graduate. By bridging the gap between employers and graduating students, we can get more people into their dream jobs faster and help businesses succeed – that’s what I’m fighting for in Congress.”

“We are extremely excited to bring the Advanced Technology Building online to further provide technical training for a variety of career opportunities,” said Charles Lloyd, Ed.D., President of White Mountains Community College. “White Mountains Community College will be leveraging this space to respond to the emerging needs of employers in the north country. This facility would not have been possible without the public/private partnerships, including our federal delegation’s advocacy to secure a Northern Borders Regional Commission Grant.”

Congresswoman Kuster is a strong advocate for strengthening New Hampshire’s workforce and economy. Her legislation, the Workforce Development Investment Act, would bolster workforce training courses at community colleges and other educational institutions. The bill would provide tax credits to companies that work with colleges to develop courses to train students with the skills needed to find jobs in their industry. Kuster wrote an op-ed supporting this bill and her Jobs and Opportunities Agenda in the Union Leader earlier this month.

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