CONCORD - Gov. John Lynch, joined by lawmakers, state officials, business and labor leaders, today announced legislation that will allow the state to partner with companies to train New Hampshire workers for available jobs.

The legislation reinstates the state's Job Training Fund, which lapsed in June 2003, and is designed to allow companies to provide new hires and longtime employees with training in manufacturing skills, advanced computer skills, and many other areas.

"In every part of New Hampshire, business leaders tell me that they have the products; that they have the customers; but that they need skilled workers if their businesses are to stay and grow in New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch said. "Our workers - and the companies that employ them - must continually master new skills and new technologies to compete globally. We can help our businesses and their employees get the training they need - and keep our economy strong - by reestablishing the Job Training Fund."

The legislation, Senate Bill 97, will dedicate up to $1 million a year from the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund toward job training. Companies are required to provide an equal match for any grant they receive.

"That will help ensure our workers have the training they need to get available jobs. It will help ensure our companies have the skilled workers they need to compete. And it will help keep our unemployment rate low. It is an investment that makes sense for our workers, our companies, and our state's economic future," Gov. Lynch said.

The first Job Training Fund grants were approved in January 2002, and in 18 months helped provided training for 5,400 workers at 100 companies across New Hampshire. For example, Hitchner Manufacturing in Littleton used the grant to upgrade the skills of its workers, which helped allow the company to stay in Littleton, rather consolidating its operations at its Milford site.

Senate Bill 97, sponsored by Sens. David Gottesman, Martha Fuller Clark, Maggie Hassan, Harold Janeway and Senate President Sylvia Larsen, will restore funding to the Job Training program by removing a link to the amount of money in the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. Instead, Senate Bill 97 provides funding for job training from the administrative portion of the Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund. It does not require any general fund dollars.

"It is time we recommit to the Job Training Fund, because it is time our workers and our companies should have access to this important tool again. Senate Bill 97 will help us keep businesses and jobs right here in New Hampshire," Gov. Lynch added.

Sen. Gottesman, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 97, echoed Gov. Lynch's comments.

"This will create an incentive for employers to expand their workforce, creating new jobs. It will help employed workers upgrade their skills so they and their employers remain competitive in this constantly evolving economy," Sen. Gottesman said. ""New Hampshire needs to focus on the future; this bill does that."

Joining Gov. Lynch at today's press conference to support the re-creation of the Job Training Fund were representatives of the Business and Industry Association, Northern New England Multi-State Pipe Trades District Council #10, the Departments of Resources and Economic Development and Employment Security, the New Hampshire Community Technical College System and the Workforce Opportunity Council.