Kildee Introduces Workforce Training Bill to Help Create Good-Paying Jobs in Michigan

Press Release

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, introduced the Technical Assistance for Health Grants Act, which would invest in workforce training programs that help expand access to good-paying jobs in the health care field in Michigan.

The Technical Assistance for Health Grants Act would invest $15 million to help local health organizations and schools apply for, and implement, Health Profession Opportunity Grants (HPOGs). The HPOG program is part of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS). The program trains low-income individuals for good-paying jobs that are expected to either experience labor shortages or be in high demand in the health care field.

This bill would ensure that all communities have an equal chance to receive federal funding and that grants are administered effectively, by requiring that the HHS Secretary provide tailored guidance and information on best practices to eligible entities to help them apply for the grant. Often, communities who are in most need of federal support are not able to meet the rigorous requirements of applying for federal grants, including HPOGs, and this bill would make it easier for those communities to apply for these grants.

"Michiganders are working harder than ever but are struggling to make ends meet, especially during the pandemic. As we continue to recover from the public health and economic crises brought on by the pandemic, workers must be able to access the skills training they need to compete for high-wage jobs," said Congressman Kildee. "My bill expands federal grants that connect Michiganders with good-paying health care jobs and makes sure that every community can compete for these federal grants."

Congressman Kildee is fighting to invest in and expand workforce training programs. In 2014, he introduced the 21st Century Manufacturing Skills and Jobs Act, which would build on and expand Michigan's successful New Jobs Training Program, enabling community colleges and local businesses to partner and provide workforce training for workers for new manufacturing jobs in their communities. This Congress, he helped pass the National Apprenticeship Act in the U.S. House of Representatives, which would invest in and expand access to registered apprenticeships in Michigan and across the country.

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