Henrico Times

Congressman Rob Wittman of Virginia's 1st District announced that his Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act now has more than 100 cosponsors. Just over two months after the introduction of this bipartisan proposal, the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which supports the bill, has grown to include over 900 trade associations, professional societies, and businesses.

"At a time when Americans are sick and tired of divisiveness and partisan bickering in Washington, I couldn’t be more proud to have united a group of bipartisan colleagues to support a common sense policy that nearly everyone can get behind," stated Congressman Wittman. "Americans – particularly Virginians – want solutions, and this pragmatic legislation addresses our nation's skilled workforce shortage by making it more accessible for students and professionals to obtain certifications and licenses that will qualify them for good-paying jobs."

The legislation aims to expand the range of qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to encompass postsecondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and non-governmental certifications to become various professionals including airplane mechanics, IT technicians, electricians, and paralegals. This would offer tax-advantaged resources to families, students, and workers, regardless of college education status, as they pursue career development and changes, or non-traditional educational routes.

Congressman Wittman emphasized his commitment to advancing the bill through the legislative process, saying, "I will continue to push for this bill to advance through the House Ways and Means Committee so we can get it to the House floor, over to the Senate, and to the president’s desk."

The bill's supporters include legislators such as Reps. Steven Horsford, Kevin Hern, and John Larson, alongside numerous others across party lines.