Growing Our Workforce Investment Now Act (Go Win) Exposed

The Growing Our Workforce Investment Now Act (Go Win) is a model bill presented at ALEC's 2015 States and Nation Policy Summit on December 4, 2015.

CMD's Bill Summary

This bill would provide an income tax credit to employers for each of their employees enrolled in an apprenticeship program. This legislation does not place any requirements on employers to get such an off-set in the taxes they would otherwise owe to fund services provided to state residents.

ALEC Bill Text

WHEREAS, the State of ________ desires to increase and support opportunities for employers to invest in the future success of their workforce by providing a tax credit for employed individuals enrolled in training pursuant to Industry Recognized Credentials or completion of a Registered Apprenticeship program;

WHEREAS, the State of ________ currently faces a gap between the knowledge and skills of the workforce and what is necessary to increase success in business and industry;

WHEREAS, the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce predicts that by 2018 the United States will face a shortage of 4,700,000 workers with recognized post- secondary certificates like those provided by Industry Recognized Credentials and Registered Apprenticeships;

WHEREAS, the benefits of structured, industry-driven training systems include incremental wage increases, improved skills, career advancement opportunities, enhanced retention, and increased productivity;

WHEREAS, expanding industry-credential and apprenticeship programs is a common sense solution to enhance employment opportunities in rewarding career fields such as construction, manufacturing, health care, and information technology;

WHEREAS, the State of ________ ‘s ability to compete both nationally and globally as a destination for economic investment and growth is dependent on building and maintaining a highly skilled workforce;

NOW, THEREFORE, the State of _________ amends [tax code] to allow employers a credit against income tax for employees who participate in qualified industry-recognized credential and registered apprenticeship training programs.

Section 1. Short Title

This act shall be known and may be cited as the “Growing Our Workforce Investment Now Act or the Go Win Act.”

Section 2. Definitions

(A) As used in this Act:

(1) An “occupational skills training program” means a program of training services that combine structured learning with on-the-job training that leads to an industry-recognized and nationally portable postsecondary credential upon completion.

(2) “Industry-Recognized,” used with respect to a credential, means a credential that:

(a) is sought or accepted by businesses within the industry or sector involved as a recognized, preferred, or required credential for determining occupational proficiency; and

(b) is endorsed by a nationally recognized industry association or organization representing a significant part of the industry or sector, where appropriate.

(3) “Nationally Portable,” used with respect to a credential, means a credential that is sought or accepted by businesses within the industry sector involved, across multiple States, as a recognized, preferred, or required credential for recruitment, screening, or hiring purposes.

Section 3. Tax Credit

(A) An employer who employs either an apprentice pursuant to an apprentice agreement registered with the Office of Apprenticeship of the Employment and Training Administration of the United States Department of Labor, or a trainee in an occupational skills training program pursuing an industry-recognized and nationally portable credential, is allowed a credit against an income tax imposed pursuant to this chapter equal to one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each apprentice or trainee employed.

(B) A credit is not allowed unless the apprentice or trainee was in the employ of the taxpayer for at least seven full months of the taxable year and a credit is not allowed for an individual apprentice or trainee for more than four taxable years.

Section 4. Implementation

(A) The department shall prescribe a form to claim this credit that provides information to the department sufficient for the proper administration of this credit.

(B) This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor and applies for employees beginning apprenticeships or craft training after ____.