The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA) has joined the USA Workforce Coalition to support the passage of HR 5153, the USA Workforce Tax Credit, sponsored by Representative Lloyd Smucker (R-PA).

The tax credit encourages contributions for apprenticeship programs, career and technical education, workforce development and K-12 educational preparedness initiatives.

“There are six million jobs that remain unfilled in our country as our industry faces a driver shortage,” said NWRA President and CEO Darrell Smith in a statement. “I firmly believe we need to do as much as we can to support apprenticeship and job training programs to close the skills gap many industries like ours are facing. This coalition is an important step toward expanding support for these important programs. I am glad NWRA can be a part of it.”

The tax credit is capped at $2 billion, and the bill allows a maximum credit of $250,000 for individuals or corporations.