State Representative Mark Falzone joined his colleagues in the Massachusetts House of Representatives in passing legislation that provides full funding for workforce training grants. The bill provides $9.5 million to the Workforce Training Fund. The funding would be used to provide employers with grants aimed at educating and training existing members of the workforce and new hires. Through the beginning of this year, more than $175 million in grants have been awarded to train almost a quarter-million workers through the Workforce Training Fund.

Representative Falzone emphasized, “Jobs are my highest priority. With so many workers and families hurting in Massachusetts during these economic times, I am pleased my fellow legislators in the House are making employment their priority as well through our endorsement of these workforce training grants. As the economy evolves, these grants will help companies to hire more workers and put us back on the road to recovery in Massachusetts.”

This legislation also directs $2.1 million to the Department of Veteran’s Services to reimburse towns for payments made to veterans and includes $200,000 for two families of public safety employees killed in the line of duty.

“In these difficult economic times, it’s imperative that we give our businesses and employees the tools they need to succeed in Massachusetts,” House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo said. “Given the importance of jobs in our economy, I was eager to commit to full funding of the workforce training grants earlier this year and I am proud that this money will help to keep jobs in our Commonwealth.”

“Fully funding the workforce training program will help companies all across Massachusetts increase productivity and grow their business,” said Representative Charles Murphy, Chairman of the House Committee on Ways and Means. “Creating good-paying jobs is the first step toward economic recovery.”