Robert Wittman U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 1st district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Robert Wittman U.S. House of Representatives from Virginia's 1st district | Official U.S. House Headshot
Congressman Rob Wittman has reintroduced the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, aiming to allow 529 account funds to be used for post-secondary training programs. The bill seeks to help Americans secure jobs that do not require a traditional four-year degree. The bipartisan initiative is supported by several U.S. Representatives including Jennifer McClellan, Suhas Subramanyam, Kevin Hern, Steven Horsford, Brad Finstad, John Larson, Mike Collins, Mike Carey, and Jimmy Panetta.
Wittman highlighted the importance of STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs for the nation's future development. "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," he said. Wittman emphasized the need to prepare students for the demands of the modern workforce and economy.
The proposed legislation would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include various training and credentialing programs. This change aims to provide tax-advantaged resources for families and workers pursuing career growth or mid-career changes without needing a college degree.
Rep. McClellan stated, “By expanding the utility of 529 accounts to pay for post-secondary training programs, we can create new opportunities for economic mobility.” Similarly, Rep. Subramanyam noted the importance of investing in workforce training amid evolving technologies like artificial intelligence.
Rep. Hern shared his personal experience with trade school as pivotal in his career path and stressed the importance of such programs in reducing student debt burdens. Rep. Horsford emphasized that allowing 529 accounts for training empowers individuals to pursue rewarding careers while meeting business needs.
Other supporters such as Reps. Finstad, Larson, Collins, Carey, and Panetta echoed these sentiments. They underscored how the bill could make vocational training more accessible and affordable while helping industries find skilled workers.
Last year, this legislation gained support from over 140 cosponsors and numerous trade associations and businesses across various sectors.
Throughout his congressional tenure, Wittman has championed several initiatives aimed at enhancing CTE accessibility and strengthening workforce development through acts like PROPEL Act and BUILDS Act.
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