Press Releases
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Brad Finstad (MN-01) and Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) introduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. This legislation will help grow and strengthen the workforce by allowing individuals to use their 529 savings accounts to cover the costs of workforce training and credentialing programs.
“I have traveled across southern Minnesota and have met with students participating in technical programs, as well as employers seeking to recruit those with specialized skills,” said Rep. Finstad. “Every student should have the ability to pursue the educational path that suits their talents. I am proud to join Congressman Wittman in introducing this legislation which will strengthen tomorrow’s workforce by making these essential programs more accessible and affordable for those with 529 savings accounts.”
“Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs are essential to the future development of our nation,” said Congressman Wittman. “The majority of America’s workforce consists of middle-skill jobs that require more than a high school education but not a bachelor’s degree, and key industries are struggling to find adequately trained workers to fill these roles. We have a responsibility to prepare students for the demands of our 21st century workforce and economy, and we must do everything we can to expand access to resources to afford postsecondary education and career training. The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act will help students in Virginia and across the nation secure in-demand, well-paying jobs, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to advance this bill so we can equip students with the necessary skills to succeed in the job market of tomorrow.”
Original cosponsors include Representatives Mike Collins (GA-10), Kevin Hern (OK-01), Steven Horsford (NV-04), John Larson (CT-01), Jennifer McClellan (VA-04), and Suhas Subramanyam.
Congressman Finstad introduced similar legislation in the 118th Congress to allow 529 savings accounts to be used for non-degree technical training certificate programs and apprenticeships, opening job opportunities for many individuals by giving them the same access to vocational training as those enrolled in degree programs.
