Torres Introduces Bill to Grow U.S. Manufacturing Workforce
WASHINGTON, DC - Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona) introduced H.R. 2601, the Job Opportunities between Our Shores (JOBS) Act, a bill to promote advanced manufacturing in the Inland Empire and throughout the United States and give dislocated workers the training and skills they need to find new jobs in growing industries.
"My bill will connect educational institutions and manufacturers, so that we can make sure job seekers are trained in the skills employers demand. Right here in the Inland Empire, we've seen the success of the partnership between California Steel Industries and Chaffey College," said Torres. "This is a model we should grow and build upon as manufacturing jobs in the Inland Empire and across the country are bouncing back. Now is the time to keep the momentum moving forward by making sure American workers are able to stay ahead of the curve."
Last year, Chaffey College was awarded nearly $15 million by the Department of Labor and the Department of Education to create a STEM Education Business Incubator Center at CSI to improve manufacturing training in the region. The JOBS Act would authorize the Secretary of Labor to initiate similar pilot projects between educational institutions and workforce investment boards and advanced manufacturers in order to facilitate education and training programs in the field of advanced manufacturing. Eligible recipients must demonstrate their capacity to teach advanced manufacturing concepts and how they will help workers develop the skills that will lead to an industry-recognized credential.
"There is no question that the global economy is only becoming more and more competitive," continued Torres. "If the recession has taught us anything it is that in order to build a resilient economy that can withstand future economic challenges, we need a dynamic, educated workforce and a diverse local economy. Comprehensive, demand-driven training programs will help us do just that."
The JOBS Act is the second bill Rep. Torres has introduced based on recommendations from her district-wide Job Creation Listening Tour during which she met with local economic stakeholders, education professionals, employees, and business owners to discuss the challenges facing the Inland Empire economy and their ideas for jumpstarting economic growth. The full report that was published at the conclusion of the tour, which includes additional recommendations, can be found here.
###