ASCP Working to Enact Workforce Legislation

ASCP and more than 780 other members of the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition are working to improve workforce development opportunities. One of the Coalition’s initiatives is to enact the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. More than 120 members of Congress have co-sponsored the bill measure, an important indicator of congressional support. The legislation was introduced by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and Representatives Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.).

The measure would expand what is considered a “qualified expense” under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and nongovernmental certifications. If enacted, the measure would provide tax-advantaged resources for families, students and workers—with or without a college degree—who pursue career growth, mid-career changes or pathways that diverge from a typical academic route.

Part of the Coalition’s goal is to shift the 529 paradigm from “college savings plans” to “career savings plans.” Representatives Rob Wittman (R-Va.) and Abigail Spanberger (D-Va.) lead in the House and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Mike Braun (R-Ind.) lead in the Senate.

The Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would provide broad support to all industries and professions that rely on employees with specialized training or credentials. Training and credentialing organizations help expand industry excellence, establish and strengthen professional pathways, increase workers’ earning power, foster marketplace competition, and supply consumers with the best products, services, and expertise.

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