Kratovil Introduces AMERICA Works Act

Legislation will strengthen manufacturing in the United States and create jobs.

Washington, DC – This week, Rep. Frank Kratovil joined fellow freshman legislators Rep. Walt Minnick (ID), Rep. Debbie Halvorson (IL), and Rep. Bobby Bright (AL) in introducing H.R. 4072, the AMERICA Works Act.

The AMERICA (American Manufacturing Efficiency and Retraining Investment and Collaboration Act) Works Act will help to develop and strengthen the technical workforce to attract advanced manufacturing enterprises to the United States in order to create good, middle-class jobs in smaller regional economies like those in Maryland’s First Congressional District.

“This bill will help train students for the jobs of the twenty-first century. They will be better prepared to enter emerging fields and have the skills associated with a more modern workforce,” said Rep. Kratovil. “When we train individuals and give them the tools they need to succeed not only do we give them a better shot at competing in the workforce but we give our entire economy a shot in the arm and produce an American workforce better prepared to compete in the globalized economy.”

“In tough economic times with high unemployment and the loss of jobs, it is difficult to focus on workforce skills development. In reality, we have no better time. True economic reform means not only righting our economic ship but also pursuing the strategies that will ensure we maintain our manufacturing competitiveness and provide the best possible pathways to employment in high quality, middle class jobs for all workers. We commend Congressman Kratovil and his colleagues for introducing this bill which will help ensure both new and transitioning workers have the education and skills necessary to succeed in the 21st century manufacturing economy,” said Emily Stover DeRocco, President of the Manufacturing Institute and Senior Vice President of the National Association of Manufacturers.

The legislation would direct the use of public funds for designated programs to prepare participants with the foundational skills necessary to obtain jobs and begin careers in the 21st century economy.

The public investment will focus on developing skills and industry recognized credentials for workers who need to improve or obtain employment, lost their job and need to return to the work force, recently separated from the military and are entering the civilian work force, moving off of unemployment or public assistance, and young people in search of their first job