News Releases

Contact: Brent Sailhamer
Director of Government Affairs, ABC PA

717.653.8106 or brent@abcpa.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – February 21, 2019

ABC PA Announces Support for Workforce Development Efforts

(HARRISBURG, PA.) Today, the Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC) of Pennsylvania applauded the efforts of both Governor Tom Wolf and the Pennsylvania legislature to address the Commonwealth’s workforce development needs through a series of resource investments and legislative proposals. The support follows several efforts outlined in Governor Wolf’s FY2020 budget address, as well as a bipartisan package of legislation introduced this week in the House of Representatives.

“For years, Pennsylvania’s business community has been warning of a critical shortage of skilled employees for our most integral jobs,” said G. David Sload, President-CEO of ABC’s Keystone chapter. “Now, we’re facing hundreds of thousands of unfilled positions in not only construction, but manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and other vital industries. The Governor’s creation of the Keystone Economic Development and Workforce Command Center will bring business leaders to the table to evaluate and recommend policies that can make the Commonwealth a leader in workforce development. It’s clear that this administration is committed to improving Pennsylvania’s business climate, and we’re pleased to help in any way we can.”

In addition to the Governor’s proposal for workforce development reform, ABC also voiced strong support for a bipartisan package of nine bills introduced in the House that would redefine the tools that educators and employers have to create and grow skilled positions for Pennsylvanians. “This package of legislation echoes the call from Governor Wolf to improve our workforce and make it easier for Pennsylvanians to succeed in skilled trade positions,” said Dr. Marianne Hazel, President of ABC’s Central Pennsylvania chapter.  “These nine bills will have a dramatic effect on the way our schools and our employers can approach job creation. We are committed to working with the legislature and the Governor to see that this legislation becomes law.”

The nine bills outlined in the workforce development package are:

• House Bill 265, which expands the online database of transferrable courses, programs, certificates, and diplomas
• House Bill 297, which improves career information and recruitment
• House Bill 334, which improves the Commission for Agriculture Education Excellence
• House Bill 522, which creates a CTE investment incentive program
•  House Bill 559, which codifies universal access to efficient supervision for apprentices
•  House Bill 393, which creates an online career resource center
• House Bill 394, which creates an inventory of Pennsylvania’s workforce development programs
• House Bill 395, which requires CTE programs to establish occupational advisory committees
• House Bill 396, which would add one administrator to Workforce Development Boards

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Within Pennsylvania, ABC PA is comprised of five chapters that offer construction related skills training and advocate for free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy throughout the Commonwealth. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 69 chapters nationally help members win work and deliver that work safely, ethically, and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which they work. Visit us at www.abcpa.org.