|
For Immediate Release
March 23, 2012
Back
Brubaker Legislation Would Encourage Investment in Workforce Development
HARRISBURG – Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-36) introduced legislation today that
would encourage businesses to invest in one of the state's most important
workforce development programs.
Senate Bill 1460 would create a tax credit for businesses that contribute to
Industry Partnerships. The program allows a cluster of businesses and
organizations within a single industry to collaborate to identify and address
common workforce needs and ensure workers and job-seekers are receiving the
training they need to keep pace with the growing demands of Pennsylvania
businesses.
Brubaker's legislation would permit businesses to claim a tax credit of up to
75 percent of their contribution to Industry Partnerships, excluding
contributions that are made to satisfy requirements for matching grants from the
state. With state tax dollars stretched thin due to this year's budget deficit,
Brubaker said additional private investments would ensure more workers receive
the training they need.
"Industry Partnerships lead to greater productivity for businesses and higher
wages and greater opportunities for advancement for workers," Brubaker said. "My
legislation would provide an even stronger incentive for businesses to
participate in this program and invest in their employees."
Industry Partnerships are targeted to industries that support
family-sustaining jobs, such as health care, manufacturing, transportation,
construction and energy. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and
Industry, more than 6,300 businesses have taken part in more than 80
partnerships throughout the state. More than 70,000 workers have received
training as a result of the program.
"We applaud Senator Brubaker's continuing efforts to support Pennsylvania's
Industry Partnerships," said Tony Ross, President and CEO of the United Way of
Pennsylvania. "Establishing a tax credit for businesses who support Industry
Partnerships will help ease the burden on taxpayers, provide critical funding
to a program that has made Pennsylvania the national leader in workforce
development strategies, and continue to allow keen workers to garner the skills
needed to obtain better, high-paying jobs."
"The Industry Partnerships program has been an overwhelming success for the
manufacturing community. Providing an ongoing funding method utilizing tax
credits through the Industry Partnership program will enable the enhancement of
skills in the manufacturing workforce," said Mike Smeltzer, Executive Director
of the Manufacturers' Association of South Central Pennsylvania. "This type of
commitment will ensure long-term economic success for Pennsylvania's
manufacturing employers."
"The Pennsylvania Business Council supports Senator Brubaker's proposal to
incentivize private sector investment in industry partnerships with a partial
tax credit. Industry Partnerships are a well proven tool for creating a 21st
Century workforce ready for family sustaining jobs," said PBC President & CEO
David W. Patti.
In 2011, Brubaker was the prime sponsor of a new law that codified the
Industry Partnerships program in the Department of Labor and Industry.
CONTACT:
Kristin Crawford
(717) 787-4420
| 
