U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (R-PA) helped lead a bipartisan contingent of 50 other congressional members in requesting that U.S. House leadership include workforce development investments in any legislation being crafted to bolster the nation’s infrastructure.
“Any successful infrastructure package will require investments into a well-trained and educated workforce,” Rep. Thompson said on Wednesday. “We need skilled workers who can carry out the mission from design, through construction and completion, and beyond.”
Rep. Thompson joined U.S. Rep. Jim Langevin (D-RI), both co-chairs of the Congressional Career and Technical Education (CTE) Caucus, in sending a May 1 letter to House leaders requesting that any infrastructure package considered in the House contain a requirement that states dedicate a portion of the funding they receive to workforce development programs.
Incentives also are needed for infrastructure-related businesses that invest in work-based learning, according to the letter, and the members asked that funding also be provided for facility and equipment upgrades for CTE programs in infrastructure-related fields.
The recommendations align with an ongoing commitment that Congress has to CTE, according to Rep. Thompson.
“When Congress passed the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act, we made it clear that career and technical education programs, including apprenticeships, are proven workforce development strategies,” he said. “We must ensure these policies are in place to support a plan that provides resources to individuals who stand ready and able to rebuild our nation’s infrastructure.”
In addition to Reps. Thompson and Langevin, other members who signed the letter include U.S. Reps. Tom Emmer (R-MN), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Bob Latta (R-OH).
The letter is supported by Associated General Contractors of America, the Association for Career and Technical Education, North America’s Building Trades Union, the National Skills Coalition, the National Roofing Contractors Association, and the Association of Equipment Manufacturers, among numerous other organizations.