With Pennsylvania getting older, there will be new challenges for the state budget in the future, and state lawmakers are trying to find ways to keep and attract younger workers, writes Stephen Caruso for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star.

Among the suggestions is the Statewide Workforce, Education, and Accountability Program in Gov. Tom Wolf’s budget proposal from February. It also sets aside $20 million for K-12 STEM education and another $7 million for apprenticeships in traditional fields such as construction and manufacturing.

“You’re earning while you’re learning,” said Eileen Cipriani, Labor & Industry Deputy Secretary for Workforce Development.

Another proposal from Gov. Wolf’s budget is $8 million in grants to community college students and graduates who stay to work in Pennsylvania. They can apply for a grant of up to $2,500, with no limitations set on its use.

Meanwhile, to encourage young people to buy homes in Pennsylvania, bipartisan legislation has been introduced this year by State Reps. Rosemary Brown and Ryan Bizzarro for tax-free savings accounts.

“The maximum amount of all contributions to a first-time home buyer savings account is $150,000,” states the bill.

Read more about the strategies to retain the state’s young workers in the Pennsylvania Capital-Star here.

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