Apr. 16, 2018
HARRISBURG – As part of the latest bipartisan Career and Technical Education (CTE) legislative package, Rep. Mike Tobash’s (R-Schuylkill/Dauphin) bill to establish the Career and Technical Education Partnership Tax Credit Program was unanimously approved by the House Education Committee on Monday.
“We have nearly 200,000 jobs in Pennsylvania requiring skills that are taught in our career and technical schools,” Tobash explained. “These are good, family-sustaining jobs that employers can’t find people to fill. This bill serves as one way we can partner business investment with career and technical students to help fill those positions and grow our state’s economy.”
House Bill 2156 would allow direct investment from businesses that contribute to career and technical partnership organizations. Business contributions could be used to provide career and technical education scholarships, or to purchase industry-standard equipment. This program would be unique yet modeled after successful elements of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program.
“Connecting our education system with the needs of job creators is common sense and necessary,” Tobash said. “We have to acknowledge the needs of our economy, and right now that need includes more individuals with skills in the trades. This bill focuses on public private partnerships and uniquely focuses on assisting businesses to grow.”
Tobash serves as the chairman of the subcommittee on Career and Technical Education. This bill is one of a package of nine bills that seek to strengthen our commitment to applicable education and student success.
For more information about House Bill 2156, or any other state-related issue, contact Tobash’s district office in Schuylkill Haven located at 988 East Main St., by calling 570-385-8235. Information can also be found online at RepTobash.com or Facebook.com/RepTobash.
Representative Mike Tobash
125th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives