Labor and Community Groups Fight for the Inclusion of Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program and Semiconductor Research & Development Project Program tax credits in Executive Budget
SYRACUSE, NY – Jobs to Move America (JMA) and its union partners are pledging their support for amendments to strengthen Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed tax credits to grow New York’s semiconductor industry. Under Governor Hochul’s leadership, the State’s Green CHIPS Act has already attracted Micron to Central New York, and combined with other projects, state investments will create tens of thousands of new direct and indirect jobs in the Finger Lakes, Western, Central New York and across the state. In order for taxpayers to fully see the benefit, the coalition is urging Albany to include in the final budget key amendments proposed by Senator Chris Ryan and Assemblymember Harry Bronson aimed at improving transparency and accountability in the Semiconductor Workforce Training Incentive and Semiconductor Manufacturing Project Program.
These amendments are intended to build on the Workforce Training and Research & Development tax credit programs for the semiconductor industry proposed in Governor Hochul’s FY2026 budget. The amendments were included in the Senate’s One-House Budget and backed by a handful of key committee chairs, including Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos and Assembly Labor Chair Harry Bronson, and members in both houses. The amendments propose:
- Including a Workforce Training Plan in the proposed Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program to provide stronger enforcement mechanisms and encourage participation in registered apprenticeship programs and strengthen long-term workforce development.
- Amending the proposed Semiconductor Research and Development Project Program to require companies to submit a Jobs Plan detailing the number of full-time jobs (FTE) created, wages and benefits, including opportunities for marginalized communities and registered apprenticeships.
Read more about the amendments here.
“We thank Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris for their recognition that this needs to be done the right way–through improved transparency and accountability for how the Semiconductor Manufacturing Workforce Training Incentive Program and Semiconductor Research and Development Project Program can contribute to good jobs in New York,” said Eric Romann, Northeast Director at Jobs to Move America. “With these amendments, Governor Hochul and our legislative leaders have an opportunity to strengthen these tax credits and help ensure investments in the semiconductor industry will deliver meaningful outcomes to NY’s workforce. We also continue to encourage the clarifying of the jobs reporting process in the entire Excelsior Jobs Program in order to motivate all manufacturers to be high road ones.”
“I commend Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and Deputy Majority Leader Michael Gianaris for their leadership in championing our proposal to strengthen the standards tied to semiconductor tax credits proposed in the Executive Budget. By reinforcing transparency and accountability in the new Workforce Training and Research & Development tax credits, we ensure that this booming industry delivers high-quality, community-sustaining jobs for New Yorkers,” said Senator Chris Ryan. “These amendments are essential to securing New York’s leadership in the semiconductor sector and maximizing its economic impact. I look forward to working alongside Senate leadership to ensure these critical reforms are included in the final budget—solidifying our state’s authority as a powerhouse in innovation and job creation.”
“Workforce Development is economic development. Micron will bring incredible benefits to our region, but the true impact will be in the creation of middle-class jobs in the semiconductor industry, which is critical to New York’s long-term economic vitality. As Assembly Labor Chair, I am fighting to secure these amendments in the final budget to ensure we are increasing opportunity and delivering family-sustaining jobs alongside the proposed semiconductor tax credits so that New Yorkers may truly experience this benefit,” said Assembly member Harry B. Bronson, Chair – Assembly Labor Committee.
“For economic development projects like Micron to live up to their full potential, we need clear guarantees that our taxpayer dollars are subsidizing family-sustaining jobs,” said Senate Labor Chair Jessica Ramos. “I have Senator Chris Ryan’s back, and we will keep working to make sure the final budget has semiconductor tax credit language that gets it right on behalf of the
Jobs to Move America and our partner looks forward to working with Senate and Assembly leadership to include the proposed amendments in the final budget as a means to ensure a smart growth strategy to protect New York’s economic vitality by creating well-positioned middle class jobs.
About Jobs To Move America (jobstomoveamerica.org)
Jobs to Move America is a strategic policy center that works to transform public spending and corporate behavior using a comprehensive approach that is rooted in racial and economic justice and community organizing. We seek to advance a fair and prosperous economy with good jobs and healthier communities for all.
More information here: Semiconductor Tax Credit Amendments