Schneider Proposes Law to Help Job Growth

Legislation to improve employment opportunities for north suburban residents was introduced today by Rep. Brad Schneider (D-Deerfield). It is the first bill introduced by the 10th District Congressman.

Aimed at small and medium sized companies, the law proposed by Schneider and Rep. Lou Barletta (R-PA) will help create a certification which schools and other training programs can issue to signify to a potential employer the credential holder is ready to step into a specific job.

Earlier: Local Businesses Bend Schneider’s Ear

“Businesses want to grow and they need qualified, skilled people who are ready to go from day one,” Schneider said. This was a major take away he got from a tour of area businesses Jan. 10 and 11. “This will help match the needs of businesses with the skills of people looking for work.”

This will ease the way for states to work with companies under existing laws to develop the precise needs they require for a specific job in their place of business. Those who train the workers can then teach the necessary skills to issue the certificate.

“The employers will know the people are qualified because in many cases they helped develop the program,” Schneider said. He said it will ease the way for governors of states to work with businesses and organizations like National Association of Manufacturers to develop the needed skills.

Another thing Schneider learned on his tour last month was the need for skilled workers in the northern suburbs and a lack of people with those skills. “Many of these jobs require technical science and math training,” he said. A lot of the positions can be filled with a high school education and proper training.

Schneider is also proud of the fact his first legislation was introduced with a Republican from Pennsylvania. Both during his campaign and after winning the seat he has pledged to do what he can to end gridlock in Washington.