CHARLESTON, W.Va. ─ The West Virginia Manufacturers Association (WVMA) announces its  support for House Bill 2001, the West Virginia Jumpstart Savings Program. 

“Manufacturers know firsthand the challenges in finding skilled labor in West Virginia. Any efforts to prepare the next generation to enter the workforce contributes to a stronger West Virginia,” said Rebecca McPhail, president of the WVMA. “We applaud State Treasurer Riley Moore for developing and promoting this concept and encourage the House of Delegates to pass the bill when it comes to the floor this week.” 

McPhail said the WVMA strongly supports the creation of workforce development and educational initiatives that address the workforce shortages occurring in many of the state’s primary industries including manufacturing, which directly employees more than 47,000 West Virginians.

The West Virginia Jumpstart Savings program will allow families and individuals to save money for future expenses like tools, equipment, and business start-up costs involved in a chosen trade or occupation. The bill creates several state tax incentives to help program participants save money by allowing an income tax deduction for contributions to a Jumpstart Savings account and distributions that are used for qualified expenses.

The WVMA works to improve the health and well-being of the manufacturing industry in West Virginia through policies that encourage manufacturing investment, retention, and job growth. 

For additional information, contact Rebecca McPhail at 304-342-2123.