Getting business the skilled workers they need to grow

The package adds $500,000 to the popular advanced manufacturing grant program created in the economic recovery bill earlier this year.  More than 100 companies used this funding to train 4,135 workers in high-skilled trades.  The program was designed to enable companies and workers to keep up with global competition and lead the way in Wisconsin’s economic recovery. 

Examples of companies that used this funding include:  Fishers Barton, Regal Beloit Corp., APN Inc., Johnson Refrigerated Truck Bodies, St. Vincent Hospital, Orion Energy Systems, Hall Steel Welding, Badger Mining, Fransican Skemp Healthcare, Pierce Manufacturing and JX Enterprise.

New Incentives for Adult post-Secondary Education

The C.O.R.E. Jobs Act includes $2 million for a tax credit for businesses who pay university or technical college tuition for their low-income employees.  The classes paid for must lead to a degree or certificate.  The credit covers 25% of tuition paid, but increases to 30% for high-demand occupations. 

In order to increase its income per capita, Wisconsin must first increase the number of workers with college degrees.  It is well-documented that states with above average levels of college education works, like Minnesota, also have higher incomes per capita.