Governor Bentley Holds Ceremonial Bill Signing for Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley ceremonially signs SB 90, the Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act (Act 2016-314), and passes pens to the bill's supporters, at the state Capitol, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Alan Baker. (Governor's Office, Sydney A. Foster)
Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley ceremonially signs SB 90, the Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act (Act 2016-314), and passes pens to the bill's supporters, at the state Capitol, Tuesday, July 26, 2016. The bill was sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Alan Baker. (Governor's Office, Sydney A. Foster)

By: Daniel Sparkman, Deputy Press Secretary & Director of Digital Media

MONTGOMERY (Governor’s Office) – Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday held a ceremonial bill signing for the Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act of 2016. The bill, which gives businesses with apprenticeship programs an annual tax credit, was sponsored by Senator Arthur Orr and approved during the 2016 Regular Legislative Session.

“I am proud to sign into law this legislation that will increase the ability of Alabamians to find a job even as they learn new skills,” Governor Bentley said. “The Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act will drive more companies to hire apprentices, who can then get hands-on experience as they learn in the classroom. My hope is that these programs would lead to the apprentices being hired by these companies full time once the students complete their education. I want to thank Senator Arthur Orr for sponsoring this bill and the Department of Commerce for helping to make this a reality.”

“This legislation will not only help Alabamians increase their wage earning capabilities through increased certified training but also help our state recruit good paying businesses looking for a well trained workforce,” Senator Orr said. “This compliments Governor Bentley’s efforts to develop a workforce across the state that is ready for the challenges of the 21st century. ”

“Commerce thanks Governor Bentley and the legislature for their combined leadership in the passage of this critical workforce development legislation,” Secretary of Commerce Greg Canfield said. “The Apprenticeship Tax Credit will play a major role in growing new jobs by encouraging companies statewide to invest in their own programs to advance the skills of Alabama workers. The key to our future economic success heavily relies on equipping Alabama workers with the advanced skills required both today and in the future and this new tool will play a critical role in securing that bright future.”

The Apprenticeship Tax Credit Act would provide an income tax credit of $1,000 to an employer for each qualified apprentice and would cap the cumulative tax credits allowed at $3,000,000 for the 2017 & 2018 and $5,000,000 for each tax year thereafter.

Provided by the Office of the Governor of Alabama | governor.alabama.gov