Smucker’s bill gives tax breaks for donations supporting workforce training

U.S. Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R-PA) recently sponsored legislation that would allow a tax credit for charitable donations to nonprofit organizations that provide workforce training.

“The number one issue I hear from small businesses is that they cannot find workers to fill their open jobs,” Rep. Smucker said on March 17 when introducing the bill during a press conference that followed a tour of Eden Tool Co. and Eden Manufacturing Inc. in New Freedom, Pa.

“As a small business owner myself, this was an issue I’ve experienced first-hand and have had to manage through,” said Rep. Smucker. “It’s borne out by the data — the latest release from the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are nearly 11 million jobs available across the country.”

The congressman introduced the USA Workforce Tax Credit Act, H.R. 1656, to encourage charitable donations for community-based apprenticeship initiatives, career and technical education (CTE), and workforce development.

Eligible nonprofits would include educational institutions, community organizations, training institutes, community colleges, scholarship groups and labor union-affiliated nonprofits, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmaker’s staff.

“We know that workforce development programs and [CTE] programs can help individuals develop the skills needed to find a great career, find that family-sustaining job, and help them move up the ladder of economic mobility,” Rep. Smucker said. “That’s why I’m introducing the USA Workforce Tax Credit Act, to create more opportunities for individuals to learn the skills that will help them succeed.”

The Manufacturers’ Association, Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, Eden Manufacturing Inc. and Eden Tool Co., and the York County Alliance for Learning endorsed the measure, which has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.