FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jenna Weisbord, 310-995-0839

jweisbord@franchise.org

@franchising411

WASHINGTON, D.C. May 17 – The International Franchise Association (IFA) today commended the New Democrat Coalition’s measured, thoughtful approach to its Economic Opportunity Agenda.

The package of policies, the first of which was unveiled today, is the result of months of meetings between Coalition members, outside experts, and industry stakeholders and focuses on long-term workforce development and economic growth.

“The story of franchising has been one of opportunity, job creation and community support. Americans from all walks of life turn to franchising to find first jobs, start new businesses and learn skills that lead to successful careers in many highly-skilled industries. We appreciate that New Democratic Coalition is taking a thoughtful approach to workforce development policy that aims to close the skills and opportunity gaps in the economy, including through upskilling and apprenticeship programs that create a pathway for Americans to have robust and successful careers. Franchise businesses have apprenticeship and workforce development programs in place and continue to work hard to help their franchisees address an emerging shortage of skilled workers, but these efforts could be accelerated across the franchise sector if Congress provided legal certainty on the joint employer issue,” said IFA’s SVP of Government Relations & Public Affairs Matt Haller.