Arlington, Va., May 20 -- Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) President Dave McCurdy issued the following statement today in support of Representative Jerry Weller's (R-IL) Technology Retraining and Investment Now (TRAIN) Act, which would provide a tax credit for technology training expenses and promote lifelong learning in the U.S. workforce:

"Continual workforce training – and re-training – is a vital factor in our nation's innovation infrastructure for the 21st century. The U.S. needs to take a close look at what government and the private sector can do together to improve this infrastructure as we develop a national technology vision and strategy. A key element in this strategy must be effective, flexible incentives that help businesses and workers alike.

EIA strongly supports the approach Congressman Weller has taken today with the TRAIN Act. This bill would provide a 'human capital' tax credit for employers and individuals, helping workers move up the skills ladder to keep pace with the rapid changes in technology and industry. The Weller bill would help employees and businesses stay competitive in workplaces facing new demands from foreign competitors and new expectations based on technology-driven productivity gains.

As EIA recommended in its recently released policy playbook, The Technology Industry at an Innovation Crossroads (available here), this 'human capital' investment tax credit is one way to strengthen the U.S. innovation economy. Through lifelong learning and training, we can minimize employment disruptions and ensure that U.S. workers are prepared for an ever-changing business environment."

About EIA: The Electronic Industries Alliance is the leading trade organization in the U.S. for the high-tech industry. Its 2,500 member companies provide products and services ranging from microscopic electronic components to state-of-the-art defense, space and industry high-tech systems, as well as the full range of telecommunications and consumer electronic products. EIA's mission is to promote the market development and competitiveness of the U.S. high-tech industry through domestic and international policy efforts.