CONTACT: Erica Daughtrey

June 13, 2017

Congressman Sires Introduces the BEST for America’s Workforce Act

(Washington, D.C.)-  On June 8, 2017, Congressman Sires (D-NJ) introduced, the Better Education and Skills Training (BEST) for America’s Workforce Act as a companion to Senator Bob Menendez’s Senate bill (S. 1193).  This legislation would create a competitive, $1 billion tax-credit program to encourage job training partnerships between community colleges and local businesses that equip workers with skills that match communities’ needs.  It would also provide local businesses that hire long-term unemployed workers up to $4,000 in tax credits for the tuition costs at a community college to train each worker hired to fill a job that requires a specific certificate or other training credential.

“I am pleased to be working with Sen. Menendez on this important legislation to expand job-training partnerships and increase employment opportunities for American workers.  The BEST for America’s Workforce Act builds on existing job-training programs to address our national skills gap” said Rep. Sires.

“I often hear from employers throughout New Jersey who have jobs to fill but are struggling to hire workers with the right skillset,” said U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez.  “Our BEST for America’s Workforce legislation encourages more businesses and colleges to create win-win partnerships that equip students and unemployed workers with in-demand skills and provide area employers with a strong talent pipeline.”

This legislation uses a competitive application process to ensure that federal funding goes to training partnerships that are designed to equip workers with skills that meet the strongest market demand and the needs of local communities while leading to long-term job and income security for workers that complete the program.