Washington, D.C. – On Monday, 48 Members of the New Democrat Coalition sent a letter to President Trump calling for a robust commitment to apprenticeship programs. The letter, led by Reps. Terri Sewell (AL-07), Cheri Bustos (IL- 17), Ann McLane Kuster (NH-02), and Donald Norcorss (NJ-01), outlines the importance of apprenticeship and urges the administration to maintain strong levels of funding for apprenticeship initiatives across the country.

“When it comes to jobs and workforce development, it’s time for this Administration to walk the walk,” said New Dem Vice-Chair Rep. Terri Sewell. “Rather than slashing the budget for worker training programs, we need to provide more opportunities for American workers to gain the skills and training needed to compete in the modern economy. The workforce development programs which the President cuts in this year’s budget have helped to reduce unemployment in Alabama and have brought veterans back into the civilian workforce. Hardworking Americans deserve more than empty rhetoric on jobs, and I urge this President to make good on his promise for job growth by working with Congress to support and strengthen our proven workforce development programs.”

In conjunction with the letter, the New Democrat Coalition is hosting the third of its forums on the Future of Work this week. The forum will focus on workforce development, 21st century skills training, and the opportunities apprenticeship initiatives can offer. The forum will take place on Wednesday, July 19th from 9:00 – 11:00 in Cannon 340. Visit the New Dem Facebook page to watch the livestream.

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Rep. Terri A. Sewell (D-AL) is serving her fourth term representing Alabama’s 7th Congressional district. She sits on the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and was recently appointed to the powerful House Ways and Means Committee. Sewell is a Chief Deputy Whip and serves on the prestigious Steering and Policy Committee of the Democratic Caucus. She is also a member of the Congressional Black Caucus, and serves as Vice Chair of the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus, and Vice Chair of Outreach for the New Democrat Coalition.