WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senators Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Chris Coons (D-DE) took to the Senate floor today to highlight bipartisan legislation they introduced to help cities and states build 21st century manufacturing training programs.

In response to feedback she has received from New Hampshire's high-tech manufacturing sector about the growing demand for workers who are skilled in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - or STEM - fields, Senator Ayotte joined Senator Coons in introducing the bipartisan Manufacturing Skills Act in September. The bill would create a fully paid for annual $100 million competitive grant program to support initiatives that strengthen the manufacturing workforce and address regional skills challenges.

"Instead of dictating job training standards from Washington, our bill allows local leaders to build training plans that fit their unique needs," said Ayotte.

She continued: "As I visit manufacturing employers throughout our state, I've been hearing that they are challenged in finding the right workforce for excellent paying jobs and opportunities. What they need are partnerships and help to get that trained workforce in place... Our bill will allow local education institutions to partner with private employers and state and local officials to ensure that the training is valuable and everyone has a stake in ensuring we have the right workforce going forward."

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE MANUFACTURING SKILLS ACT:

"The Business and Industry Association, New Hampshire's statewide chamber of commerce, appreciates the focus Senator Ayotte is bringing to advanced manufacturing with her introduction of the ‘Manufacturing Skills Act.' This important initiative addresses two top priority issues in which the BIA is actively engaged; creating an environment that supports the growth of advanced manufacturing and technology companies, and improving educational outcomes and skills for our next generation workforce," said BIA President, Jim Roche.

"We applaud Sen. Ayotte for introducing this important bill," said Jan Nisbet, senior vice provost for research at the University of New Hampshire. "Manufacturing remains a vital part of New Hampshire's economy, and this legislation would help spur innovation to strengthen manufacturing education. The university looks forward to working with others in New Hampshire to submit a strong proposal should this legislation be enacted."

The legislation has been endorsed by the Business and Industry Association of New Hampshire, the University of New Hampshire, the New Hampshire Division of Resources and Economic Development, and the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership.

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