Moran pitches WAGES Act
Posted/updated on: May 7, 2026 at 3:37 pm
TYLER — The WAGES Act, introduced by Representative Nathaniel Moran (R), Texas, looks to give manual labor companies more support in apprenticeship programs through a tax credit. According to our news partner KETK, Moran is making waves in East Texas blue-collar industries through his new Workforce, Apprenticeship Growth and Education Support (WAGES) Act. He’s making the pitch this week to companies in the Pineywoods and if passed, the new law would allow companies with a registered apprenticeship program to pay apprentices and mentors while covering program expenses.
WAGES would help the next generation of workers at Trane Technologies get adapted to their work environment before taking on the job.
“It says we want to give you an employment tax credit up to $5,000 per apprentice per quarter against those taxes you’re paying every quarter,” Moran said.
“Got to understand what your role is and make sure you aren’t slowing the line down,” Trane Technologies’ Residential HVAC President Mark Majocha said. “I think having that apprenticeship program gives people that confidence to know I can step on that line and I can be successful.”
Caliber Collision in Tyler is offering employees their first job opportunity in the industry, regardless of prior experience.
“You don’t have to have any experience; we’re going to pay you day one,” Chief Operating Officer for Caliber Collisions, Todd Dillender, said. “You’re going to be able to earn a living while learning this really cool trade.”
All while supporting pipelines of career and technical education (CTE) students in industries like automotive, HVAC and welding. Hoping to create a strong and lasting workforce in the community for years to come.
“We want those companies that are willing to invest in their employees to keep more of their tax dollars to do just that, so that we can upskill the American workforce and we can keep domestic manufacturing as much as possible here in America,” Moran said.
The Wages Act will now head to a House committee before a possible move to the floor for a vote.
