(MADISON, Wis.) – Construction Business Group (CBG), a statewide joint Labor-Management construction trade group representing 30,000 workers and 4,000 contractors, thanks Governor Evers for vetoing Senate Bill 125 (SB-125), an apprenticeship bill that unfairly subsidized programs with taxpayer money that do not prioritize investing in workers.
“CBG supports legislation that fairly and equitably advances all apprenticeship programs throughout the state of Wisconsin and not just for one small group,” said Robb Kahl, CBG Executive Director. “SB-125, however, was little more than a government handout to a select few, and why should state taxpayers reward apprenticeship programs that invest the least in the education of their workforce while others choose to fund their programs and prioritize their workers?”
Wisconsin construction trades and their contractor partners invest over $30 million annually in their statewide apprenticeship programs. These private, self-funded apprenticeship programs cost apprentices very little out of pocket and, more importantly, do not cost taxpayers one penny. SB 125 did not help any of these self-funded apprenticeship programs. Instead, it provided a tax subsidy for apprenticeship tuition from programs requiring individuals to bear the brunt of their apprenticeship cost rather than prioritize making the critical and necessary investment in their future workforce.
“CBG and our trade partners stand ready to work with members of the Legislature and other stakeholders to pass a more comprehensive, effective and fair bill that will enhance all state apprenticeship programs,” Kahl said.
For more information on CBG, visit their website or follow them on social media.
