SHAHEEN, COCHRAN INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN JOBS PLAN

(Washington, DC) ­– U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) have reintroduced bipartisan legislation that would help Americans find and keep employment through on-the-job training (OJT) programs.

“There are hardworking people who desperately want to work, but they need the skills training for the jobs that are available,” said Shaheen, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.  “The workforce development programs that we’re proposing offer one of the most effective ways to meet economic demand, get people back to work, and keep America’s workforce competitive.”

“Changes in markets and within industries make it important that workers have the ability to obtain the skills needed to secure and keep jobs.  This legislation would benefit both workers and employers by providing resources to help ensure qualified workers are available to meet demand,” Cochran said.  “I’m pleased employers and workers in Mississippi have utilized this training program to maintain and grow commerce and industry.”

The On-the-Job Training Act of 2013 authorizes the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to establish and support local OJT programs.  OJT programs, which connect unemployed workers with jobs and provide employers with training subsidies, have a proven track record of helping unemployed workers gain new skills to find and retain employment. OJT programs also provide important incentives to small businesses to encourage job growth. The legislation is similar to a bill introduced by Shaheen and Cochran in previous Congresses.

The Shaheen-Cochran supported by a diverse coalition, including: National Skills Coalition, New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development (DRED), Mississippi Department of Employment Security (MDES).