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

Bill Would Help Local Organizations and Schools Obtain Grants to Train Workers For Careers in Health Care Professions

Congressman Dan Kildee (MI-05), Chief Deputy Whip of the House Democratic Caucus, introduced a bill to 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). HPOGs help organizations train people for good-paying jobs in the health care related professions. This bill would ensure that all communities have an equal chance to receive federal funding and that grants are administered effectively. 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 struggling to make ends meet. It is critical that workers be able to get the skills training they need to compete for high-wage jobs. My bill expands federal grants to help connect Michiganders with good-paying health care jobs like medicinal technicians and nurses. Making sure that every community can compete for federal grants, including rural communities, is critical and I appreciate Chairman Neal and Chairman Davis for joining me in introducing this important bill," said Congressman Kildee.

"The HPOG program has a track record of success at helping struggling Americans get good jobs and addressing our country's health worker shortage. Congressman Kildee's bill ensures that HPOGs will do even more to help Americans get quality health care and good jobs in the future," said Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee Richard Neal.

The HPOG program is part of the Administration for Children and Families in the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. 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. The positions that HPOGs support have opportunity for advancement and sustainability, which lead families on a path to financial self-sufficiency.