State’s Manufacturing Apprenticeship Tax Credit Signed into Law

Hartford, CT – Senator Jason Welch (R-Bristol) and Representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol) support the signing of a measure which expands the state’s manufacturing apprenticeship tax credit.

“The signing of this bill into law will help us create jobs and send a positive message to manufacturers across our state,” said Sen. Welch. “At prior meetings with manufacturers I’ve learned that there is a scarcity of workers trained to run advanced machines. It was acknowledged that a part of the problem in providing this training is the lack of access to sophisticated technology and the money to do it. This bill will get more people trained and qualified for jobs.”

“For generations the manufacturing industry has been a vital contributor to our state’s economy. The adoption of SB1079 by the legislature provides CT based manufacturing companies crucial financial incentives specifically designed to attract more highly skilled trained labor. This legislation will help many of the manufacturing companies located in Bristol, Plymouth, and Terryville. Investing in, and supporting, successful Connecticut manufacturers and their employees is good public policy, and that is why this legislation had strong bi-partisan support,” said Rep. Whit Betts.

The bill (Senate Bill 1079) increases from $ 4 to $ 6 per hour the corporation business tax credit for hiring apprentices in the manufacturing trades. It also raises the annual cap on the total amount of credit a business can claim for this purpose, from $ 4,800 or 50% of the actual apprentice wages, to $7,500 or 50 % of such wages.

By law, unchanged by the bill, the period for claiming the credit depends on whether the apprenticeship is for two or four years. The period is the first year for two-year apprenticeship programs and three years for four-year programs. Such programs must be certified by the labor commissioner and registered with the Connecticut State Apprenticeship Council.

The law would take effect July 1, 2015 and be applicable to income years beginning on or after January 1, 2015. Sen. Welch is a member of the Manufacturing Caucus. The bi-partisan group’s goal has been to learn about the opportunities and challenges facing the state’s manufacturers to more effectively support and help them grow in today’s global market.