April 22, 2009
Companies do have a choice on where they locate and we in state government need to be careful about the policies that we enact. That message was made clear last week when we heard a bill from the Senate to make changes to the definition of a post secondary career school. Last year a change was made to this definition with a goal to protect students who go to career schools. The change had the unintended consequence of capturing a type of business which had never intended to fall under the definition. The proposed new language will add companies that license software to the list of entities excluded from the definition of such career schools. This change has been requested on behalf of Skillsoft Company, an employer of 240 in Nashua. This company licenses software to businesses and provides corporate training on the use of that software. Current law already excludes computer technology vendors who offer instruction to those who purchase their hardware or software. Although the committee never intended those who provide instruction on software they license to fall under this definition, it was never specifically excluded. Skillsoft is nearing the end of the lease on their present facility and has been looking at property in Massachusetts where they are excluded from this definition and the associated licensing requirements. We do not want to provide any barriers to retaining this valuable employer in the Nashua area. The committee unanimously agreed yesterday that this type of business was never intended to fall under this definition and has moved to promptly correct this oversight. The recommendation will go to the full House next week. Our policies do make a difference.