Pennsylvania’s aging population is rapidly shrinking our labor pool, leaving many industries with a pressing need for qualified employees. At the same time, countless young people—those experiencing homelessness, placed in foster care, living with a disability, or who have dropped out of school—are disconnected from educational opportunities that could prepare them for well-paying careers. 
 

To address these challenges, I plan to introduce legislation establishing the Building a Better Future Grant Program in the Department of Labor & Industry. This program would award grants to organizations that offer education and workforce training to young Pennsylvanians (ages 16–24) who have been denied access to traditional school-based programs. Under this proposal, participating organizations must provide both G.E.D. or high school equivalency courses and hands-on skills training. By the time participants complete the program, they would be qualified to join the workforce with real job skills and opportunities for advancement. 
 

 As the program’s name suggests, construction and building trades would be the focal point. However, these grants could also support training in other critical sectors—such as healthcare, customer service, and childcare—that urgently need skilled workers. With your support, we can help these young adults gain the tools necessary to secure stable employment and strengthen Pennsylvania’s future workforce. 
 

I invite you to join me in sponsoring this legislation. By investing in our youth and connecting them to in-demand career paths, we can ensure a robust labor pool and a brighter future for the Commonwealth.