Hagedorn Introduces Legislation to Strengthen America's Skilled Labor Force

Press Release

Congressman Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) today introduced the American Workforce Empowerment Act, which works to strengthen America's skilled labor force by expanding the use of 529 savings accounts to be used for non-degree technical training certificate programs, tools, and any tests that are required to obtain and maintain certifications.

"Workforce development is key to sustaining jobs and economic growth. Manufacturers, small businesses, trade unions and industry groups are concerned about the increasing skilled labor shortage. Unfortunately, current law limits the use of eligible savings accounts to help reduce the cost of obtaining advanced technical certifications," said Hagedorn. "As the American workforce rebounds from the pandemic, we will see increased need for skilled workers to meet rising manufacturing, shipping, and construction demand. These skilled labor positions that my legislation promotes are good paying jobs that help provide economic stability for hardworking Americans and are essential to the expansion of our nation's economy."

"NAHB commends Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.) for introducing the American Workforce Empowerment Act. The legislation would attract more students to skilled trade programs by expanding the use of 529 savings accounts that are typically reserved for costs associated with college to cover credential and certificate programs. This critical workforce development bill is especially timely given that the building trades offer a great career path and the demand for skilled construction workers has never been greater," said Chuck Fowke, Chairman, National Association of Home Builders.

"There is no reason why the federal government should continue to subsidize, through 529 savings accounts but also through many other legislative and policy choices, the single pathway to success that runs through our nation's bloated and corrupt university system. Families who want to give their children other options for post-secondary success, such as apprenticeships or other vocational training, should be given the same access to federal incentives. I'm glad that Rep. Jim Hagedorn (R-Minn.) introduced the American Workforce Empowerment Act to do just that," said Inez Stepman, Senior Fellow, Independent Women's Voice.

Reps. Troy Balderson (OH-12), Tom Cole (OK-04), Jason Smith (MO-08), Blaine Luetkemeyer (MO-03), Ralph Norman (SC-05), David Valadao (CA-21), Ann Wagner (MO-02), Don Bacon (NE-02), Ron Estes (KS-04), Michelle Fischbach (MN-07), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Blake Moore (UT-01), Yvette Herrell (NM-02), Paul Gosar (AZ-04), Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05), John Carter (TX-31), Mike Bost (IL-12), G.T. Thompson (PA-15), Bill Johnson (OH-06), Mike Gallagher (WI-08), Pete Stauber (MN-08), and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) signed onto the bill as original cosponsors. The American Workforce Empowerment Act also received public support from the Association of Career and Technical Education (ACTE) and Advance CTE.

Click here to watch Rep. Hagedorn's speech on the House Floor in support of the legislation.

Jim Hagedorn was reelected in 2020 to serve Minnesota's First District in the U.S. House of Representatives for a second term. He grew up on his family's grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim's father, former Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers, and Jim resides in the rural community of Blue Earth. During his time in Congress, Hagedorn has consistently fought for the conservative principles that have made America the greatest nation in the history of the world and championed legislation to promote the First District's primary industries and job creators -- farming, small business and medical care. Hagedorn is a member of the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business.

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