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Stabenow Unveils High-Skilled Job Training Plan

AUBURN HILLS (WWJ/AP) - U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow made a stop in Metro Detroit to propose a plan designed to boost states' high-skilled job-training programs.

Speaking Tuesday at Oakland Community College's Advanced Technology Center in Auburn Hills, the Michigan Democrat said the New Skills for New Jobs Act would build on efforts in Michigan and several other states that are helping community colleges work with local businesses to provide worker training.

Stabenow's bill would provide a federal match equal to the state training reimbursement from efforts such as the Michigan New Jobs Training Program. The plan would repay community colleges for the training more quickly and aims to increase the number of eligible companies and workers.

Businesses have said that they are having trouble finding qualified workers for many skilled jobs.

"This is something that really is generated as partnership between businesses and the community colleges reaching out to workers," Stabenow said. "And it's a way for the federal government to recognize the fact that new job skills — to match the jobs that are available — is one of the priorities for moving the economy forward."

Stabenow said she expects bipartisan support.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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