The House Thursday passed a jobs bill that will strengthen the foundation for job creation in the state. H. 287, is a comprehensive package that aids both employees and employers.
‘As we recover from the economic downturn, employees and employers must have the tools they need to enter the workforce in what is a very competitive job market,’ said Speaker Shap Smith. ‘This bill provides many resources for job creation across all sectors of the economy.’
The bill does a number of things to support business expansion and job creation in Vermont, including:
Enhancing workforce training programs to maximize opportunities for employees and provide employers with a well trained pool of applicants.
Incentivizing Vermont businesses to recruit their suppliers and vendors to relocate to the state. Awards $1,000 for each new Vermont job; $500 to the Vermont business and $500 to the relocating business.
Creating a tuition repayment program for graduates seeking jobs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Awards $1,500 per employee.
Creating an incentive for employers to hire a long-term unemployed applicant. Awards to employer $500 per employee hired for a maximum of $5,000 per employer per year.
Expanding workplace internships through state-wide coordination.
Enhancing the VEGI program to bring new capital into the market for business expansion.
Creating an Office of the Creative Economy to support creative enterprises like software development, new media, and innovative commercial goods.
Streamlining the process for housing developers who include low and moderate income housing in designated neighborhoods.
Supporting the value-added agriculture industry through the Farm-to-Plate program, local food coordinators, skilled meat-cutter apprenticeships, and technical assistance for manufacturing compliance with good agricultural practices.
Governor Peter Shumlin said: ‘We need to do everything possible to continue pulling Vermont out of the national recession and getting people back to work. This expansive Jobs Bill brings together private industry, government, schools and others to focus on that mission ‘ getting Vermonters back to work.’
The governor said he is confident the Senate will move quickly to pass the bill and send it to his desk to be signed into law.
‘This bill helps unleash Vermont’s entrepreneurial spirit and sets the stable for collaborative economic development,’ concluded Representative Bill Botzow, Chair of the Committee on Commence and Economic Development.
The bill passed through second reading in the House, 122-13. H. 287 will be taken up for a third reading today before being sent to the Senate for its consideration.