ABC - ABC Applauds Bill to Expand Green Job Training Program to Merit Shop Workers

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ABC APPLAUDS BILL TO EXPAND GREEN JOB TRAINING PROGRAM TO MERIT SHOP WORKERS (04/22/2009)

Contact: Gail Raiman, (703) 812-2073                           For Immediate Release
             Gerry Fritz, (703) 812-2062                            April 22, 2009

Washington, D.C. – Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today voiced its strong support for the Green Jobs Improvement Act of 2009 (H.R. 2026), introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. John Kline (R-Minn.). The legislation would expand a provision in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (H.R. 6) to allow merit shop training programs to receive federal funding to help create a skilled workforce whose focus is on energy efficiency and renewable energy.

“Both union and nonunion contractors support the concept of “green jobs” training as they strive to meet the growing demand in the commercial and industrial construction industry,” said ABC President and CEO Kirk Pickerel. “There is no better way to celebrate Earth Day than by ensuring that all workers have the opportunity to take part in green job training programs.”

The provision in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, as it is currently written, limits grant funding for training to entities that “partner with labor organizations.” The Green Jobs Improvement Act eliminates the mandate so that labor organizations, as well as merit shop training programs, qualify for the federal funding.

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Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a national association representing 25,000 merit shop construction and construction-related firms in 79 chapters across the United States. Visit us at www.abc.org.