TARTAGLIONE WORKS TO TRAIN WORKERS FOR A GREEN ECONOMY

HARRISBURG, November 20, 2007 – State Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione has introduced legislation designed to make Pennsylvania workers a major force in America’s effort to develop new energy strategies.

     Special Session Senate Bill 34 would provide tax credits for companies that train workers for jobs in the emerging new energy economy.

     “For decades Pennsylvania has been losing jobs to globalization and the evolution in traditional manufacturing and energy production,” Tartaglione said. “It is time to prepare our workforce to embrace change and benefit from it.”

     The bill would create a  “Green Work Force Training Tax Credit” to help companies train workers for jobs in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industry by offering tax incentives to employers that develop programs for new workers.

     “While China and India are enjoying vast economic expansion, they are using old and dirty technology that is causing concern among scientists and health risks for their citizens,” Tartaglione said. “The worldwide need for energy efficient technology and cleaner energy sources will expand, and this bill should help put Pennsylvania’s workers –and their children – in a position to be  leaders in providing that technology.”
     The Green Tax Credit legislation has been introduced as part of the Senate “Special Session on Energy,” intended not only to protect the environment and make Pennsylvania more energy independent, but also to revitalize manufacturing and research.

     “We have an opportunity to end decades of manufacturing decline – and the resulting loss of jobs – by attracting employers who will provide the machines and fuels of the future,” Tartaglione said. “I’m excited for Pennsylvania workers.”

     Under the bill, an eligible industry would be:

• Energy efficient building, construction and retrofit industries

• Renewable electric power industries

• Biofuels industries

• Energy efficient assessment companies serving residential, commercial or industrial sectors

• Manufacturers of energy-efficient or renewable energy products or materials

     The bill allows companies to apply to the state Department of Labor to determine eligibility for the tax credit.  Job training programs will have to be approved by the department.  Businesses will be eligible for a tax credit of up to 75 percent of training expenses to a limit of $10,000.

      Tartaglione, the Democratic Chair of the Senate Labor and Industry Committee has been recognized as a statewide leader in fighting for workers.