100 COSPONSORS: Spanberger, Wittman Bill to Allow Virginia Students & Workers to Use 529 Accounts to Pay for Training & Credentialing Programs Hits Major Milestone

The Congresswoman Reintroduced Her Bipartisan “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act” in the U.S. House With U.S. Representative Rob Wittman in March 2023

WOODBRIDGE, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today announced that her bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act — which she leads in the U.S. House with U.S. Representative Rob Wittman (R-VA-01) — has now hit 100 cosponsors.

The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would give individuals in Virginia and across the country the freedom to use their 529 savings plans to cover the costs of certain workforce training and credentialing programs. Additionally, the bill would allow students to use their 529 funds to pay for associated costs related to certification exams and maintenance of certification credentials. Right now, only expenses for colleges, vocational schools, universities, or other post-secondary institutions are considered eligible for 529 education savings plan expenditures.

“For years, we’ve led this bipartisan effort to make job training and continued education more affordable and attainable for all Virginians — because we know a four-year college is not always the right fit. More than four years later, we now have 100 of our colleagues on board,” said Spanberger. “529 savings accounts have long helped Virginians afford a higher education — whether at a four-year college or a trade school. Our commonsense, bipartisan bill would allow students and workers across our Commonwealth to use their 529 plans to cover the cost of tuition, books, and testing related to valuable workforce training programs.”

“I’m pleased to see support continue to grow for The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, which will provide students in Virginia and across the nation with additional resources to pay for tuition, exam, training, and supply costs associated with obtaining postsecondary education workforce certifications,” said Wittman. “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, which is why I’m proud to be leading this legislation in the House. I will keep fighting to equip our students with the tools and resources they need to lead our nation forward.”

Spanberger and Wittman reintroduced the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act in March 2023. Click here for a complete list of cosponsors.

“The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act can empower workers of any educational background, skill level or age,” said Michelle Mason, American Society of Associations Executives (ASAE) President and CEO, FASAE, CAE. “This pragmatic policy would support all industries and professions that rely on employees with specialized training or credentials. Our community is grateful to the Congressional champions for their commitment to supporting our current and future workforce.”

Organizations backing the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act include: Virginia529, American Institute of CPAs, American Trucking Associations, Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, Institute for Credentialing Excellence, American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American Society of Association Executives, Commercial Vehicle Training Association, Exhibitions and Conferences Alliance, Financial Planning Association, Global Business Travel Association, National Ground Water Association, National Tank Truck Carriers, Owner-Operated Independent Driver Association, Professional Certification Coalition, Diving Equipment and Marketing Association, and Institute of Inspection, Leaning, and Restoration Certification.

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