Wolf proposes $3B for workforce development under Back to Work plan
Written by Victoria Scialfa on March 15, 2021
Wolf proposes $3B for workforce development under Back to Work plan
By Hayden Mitman
March 15, 2021
As part of his proposed budget, Gov.Tom Wolf created what he calls the “Back to Work PA Plan,” which would put $3 billion into programs that will boost the state’s workforce over the next 10 years.
Wolf recently said he believes the plan will bring new companies and jobs to Pennsylvania.
“Getting Pennsylvania back on track after the pandemic means getting Pennsylvania back to work. It means investing in the businesses and workers that drive our economy and it means investing in a sustainable solution to support long term recovery,”
Exactly how the funding would be doled out is not final. Wolf’s proposal still needs to be reviewed by the legislature before the end of June.
Nancy Dischinat, executive director of the Lehigh Valley Workforce Investment Board, says the plan will help the region emerge from a difficult year.
“We know we need a skilled workforce. We know many of us need to be retooled. Many of us need to be retooled even though we are skilled. It’s all good, I think. This is all a good thing,” Dischinat says.
It also includes money for childcare and may expand employment opportunities.
Wolf aims to fund it with a new tax on the natural gas industry.
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