PLASTICS Applauds Chairman Tim Walberg for Advancing Workforce Modernization Legislation

Washington D.C.— The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) commends Chairman Tim Walberg for advancing H.R. 8210, the Stronger Workforce for America Act of 2026, through the House Education and Workforce Committee.

As one of the nation’s largest manufacturing sectors – supporting more than 1.5 million American jobs and generating more than $550 billion in economic output – the plastics industry is a cornerstone of the U.S. economy. That leadership is powered by a highly skilled workforce – and sustained by continued investment in people.

“America’s plastics industry depends on a skilled, job-ready workforce to remain competitive,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “We cannot build that pipeline alone. Chairman Walberg’s legislation is an important step toward a workforce system that better reflects the needs of modern manufacturing.”

PLASTICS highlighted several provisions in the legislation that are especially relevant to manufacturing:

  • Critical Industry Skills Funds: Provides states with flexible resources to invest in high-demand sectors – creating a direct pathway to address persistent shortages in skilled manufacturing roles, including plastics processing, mold-making, extrusion, and recycling operations.
  • Expanded employer-led and work-based training: Reinforces on-the-job training models that allow manufacturers to develop talent on real equipment – essential for building technical, job-ready skills.
  • Stronger alignment between workforce programs and employer demand: Better connects education and training systems with the needs of manufacturers, helping create clearer pathways into high-skill careers.
  • Greater focus on outcomes and accountability: Prioritizes measurable results – ensuring workforce investments translate into job placement, retention, and advancement in in-demand industries.

“Manufacturing today requires precision, technical expertise, and continuous learning,” Seaholm added. “Targeted, flexible workforce tools – like those in this bill – can make a meaningful difference for employers working to fill high-skill jobs across the plastics value chain.”

PLASTICS emphasized that strong workforce development – paired with continued investment in advanced materials and recycling technologies – is essential to sustaining U.S. manufacturing leadership.

“We look forward to working with Chairman Walberg and Congress to strengthen workforce pathways and reinforce America’s manufacturing base,” Seaholm said.

About the Plastics Industry Association

The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.

Related posts