Press Releases

U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) toured five East Texas employers and educational institutions to highlight the Workforce Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act, legislation he introduced alongside Senator Todd Young (R-IN), to create a refundable payroll tax credit for employers who participate in Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs).

“Apprenticeships are one of the key pathways to greater prosperity and liberty in America,” said Rep. Moran. “What I saw across East Texas confirmed exactly why this legislation matters. From lumber mills in New Boston to collision shops in Tyler, employers are ready and willing to invest in the next generation of workers—they just need Washington to remove the financial barriers that have held them back.”

West Fraser Lumber Mill | New Boston

Rep. Moran tours the West Fraser Lumber Mill in New Boston with plant leadership and local economic development officials. The facility already operates an apprenticeship program, and leadership discussed the cost barriers that prevent rural manufacturers from expanding workforce training efforts.

Texas High School | Texarkana

Rep. Moran joins Texarkana ISD Superintendent Dr. Brubaker and local community, education, and workforce leaders for a working lunch and roundtable on connecting classroom pathways to workforce needs, followed by a tour of the school’s newly renovated Career & Technical Education (CTE) facility.

Reliance Mechanical Contractors | Nash

Rep. Moran tours Reliance Mechanical with owner Cody Peek, where skilled tradespeople work daily in HVAC, electrical, and welding. A roundtable with local industry and economic development partners followed.

Trane Technologies | Tyler

Rep. Moran visits Trane Technologies in Tyler to discuss employer-driven workforce pipelines. Tyler Junior College leadership joined the conversation to highlight coordination between college-level technical instruction and hands-on employer training.

Caliber Collision | Tyler

Rep. Moran concludes the tour at Caliber Collision in Tyler, where a broad regional roundtable brought together employers, educators, and economic development leaders from across East Texas to discuss expanding apprenticeship access.

Read more about the WAGES Act here. 

Read the WAGES Act one-pager here.

LOCAL COVERAGE

KLTV 7: Congressman Moran plans WAGES Act to expand apprenticeship programs in East Texas

KETK: Rep. Moran pitches WAGES Act to skilled trade companies in East Texas

KSLA: Rep. Moran introduces WAGES Act to support apprenticeship programs

KTBS: Rep. Moran introduces legislation to expand apprenticeship programs

Texarkana Gazette: Moran talks workforce bill at Texas High

Texas GOP Vote: Moran, Young Introduce Legislation to Promote and Expand Apprenticeship Programs

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