Smucker’s USA Workforce Investment Act Advanced by Committee

WASHINGTON- Legislation introduced by Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11) to create a pilot program to supercharge investment in career and technical training programs received approval by the Ways and Means Committee and now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Rep. Smucker's USA Workforce Investment Act, H.R. 9461, would encourage charitable contributions to community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education, and workforce development programs offered by educational institutions, community organizations, and labor union-affiliated nonprofits.

Watch Rep. Smucker's remarks in favor of the USA Workforce Investment Act.

"The best antipoverty program is a great job. The number one issue I hear from small businesses is not being able to find skilled workers to fill their open positions. By investing in career and technical training programs, we can connect individuals to family-sustaining jobs and grow our economy," said Rep. Lloyd Smucker (PA-11).

"The cost of college has increased every year since the early 1980s, yet fewer than one in five graduates feel prepared to enter the workforce. Congress has a duty to ensure our education system prepares the next generation of American workers for a 21st century economy. Workers need more opportunities beyond simply a four-year college degree to learn skills, acquire knowledge, and bring their unique talents to the marketplace. The Ways and Means Committee took steps to support more workforce education opportunities earlier this year when we voted to expand 529 savings accounts to cover technical education training. And now, Rep. Smucker's USA Workforce Investment Act of 2024 will help generate more contributions to workforce development and training organizations that will help positively shape the next generation of workers," said Ways and Means Committee Chairman Rep. Jason Smith (MO-08).

A study titled "Skilled Trades Labor Scarcity" found that almost half of existing skilled trade workers are over the age of 55, meaning we'll face a retirement cliff that will make the skills gap worse.

Another report titled "The Lost Workforce: Upskilling for the Future" calculated that the talent shortage and skills gap in the US alone is expected to total a loss of $8.5 trillion by 2030.

Eligible programs under this legislation that an individual may donate to and receive the tax credit are tax-exempt organizations including those under 501(c)(3) and recognized eligible training providers under the Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act.

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