On July 9, the House Ways and Means Committee approved H.R. 8915, the Education and Workforce Freedom Act, by a vote of 23-13. The bill has now been reported to the House floor, for consideration at a time yet to be determined. Section 3 of H.R. 8915 encompasses the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (H.R. 1477 / S. 722), a bill IAEM has endorsed. This legislation would allow beneficiaries of 529 savings accounts to use their account funds to cover costs associated with workforce training and high-quality postsecondary credentials, such as professional certifications and occupational licenses. The bill still has a long way to go before it is enacted into law, but this was a huge step forward.
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Thad Huguley
Government Affairs Director
IAEM
Falls Church VA
(615) 870-9316
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-02-2024 12:26
From: Thad Huguley
Subject: Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act - Endorsed by IAEM
IAEM has endorsed the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722). The bill would expand eligible uses of tax-favorable "529" savings plans to cover costs associated with workforce training and credentialing programs. The legislation would also enable 529 plan beneficiaries to use their funds to pay for examinations necessary to obtain and maintain recognized private professional certifications and other credentials. Now, only costs related to attending colleges, universities, vocational schools, registered apprenticeship programs, K-12 private tuition or other post-secondary institutions are eligible 529 expenses.
If enacted, this bill would be an amazing shift for those with 529 plans as well as an ability to direct those resources to post-secondary certification programs like CEM.
Click here to see a fact sheet with information about the bill.
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Thad Huguley
Government Affairs Director
IAEM
Falls Church VA
(615) 870-9316
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