Rep. Williams’ Small Business Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act Introduced in Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Roger Marshall, M.D. (KS) and Chris Coons (DE) introduced the companion legislation to Rep. Roger Williams' (TX-25) Supporting Small Business Career and Technical Education Act. This important legislation helps small businesses hire new employees and supports aspiring entrepreneurs.
"I am proud to see Senator Coons and Senator Marshall introduce the Senate Companion to the Supporting Small Business and CTE Act," said Congressman Williams. "Skilled workers make extraordinary contributions to the economy and provide critical services that Americans depend on every day. This bill will encourage more young people to pursue valuable CTE professions and assist graduates in translating their skills into their own small businesses one day. I look forward to working with the two Senators to get this bill to the President's desk to become law."
"I managed Great Bend Regional Hospital for many years. I understand how challenging it is to have enough employees on your team to keep up with demand. We often hear how our big cities and small towns alike struggle with access to essential trade services, and part of the problem is there aren't enough people with the skills to provide those services," said Senator Marshall. "Senator Coons and I are offering a solution with this bill that helps CTE graduates get jobs with small businesses in areas where their trade skills are needed and, if a community does not have a business that offers a certain trade, our bill assists CTE graduates with starting their own."
"Delaware small businesses, whether they're in health care, construction, or engineering, are hungry to hire workers with specialized skills. The Supporting Small Business Career and Technical Education Act will help bridge the gap between these businesses and the students at career and technical education institutes who are training to fill those good-paying jobs get the opportunities they deserve," said Senator Coons. "I'm proud to work with my colleague from across the aisle to ensure Delawareans and workers across the nation can make the most of their careers."
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Background:
Shortages in skilled trade labor is causing an employment gap in several industries. For example, the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates there were 393,000 unfilled positions in construction in July 2022. This is a 7.9% increase compared to July 2021. These unfilled jobs include electricians, carpenters, plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters. Adding to the problem, 41% of the workforce in this industry is expected to retire by 2031 according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Labor shortages in these fields are persistent across the United States, and cause delays in the completion of projects on large commercial buildings, small business improvements, and residential projects.
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Congressman Roger Williams represents the 25th Congressional District of Texas and serves as a member of the House Committee on Financial Services and as Vice-Ranking Member of the House Small Business Committee.