[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 157 (Friday, September 27, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H8075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    EXPANSION OF 529 EDUCATION PLANS

  (Mr. HAGEDORN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. HAGEDORN. Madam Speaker, for our economy to continue growing, 
workers need technical skills, the right training, and education 
funding.
  Workforce development is a bipartisan goal, strongly supported by 
both employers and employees. Small businesses, manufacturers, trade 
unions, and industry groups are concerned about the shortage of skilled 
trade workers.
  Sadly, many seeking technical training are precluded from using 
qualified 529 education savings plans, and many apprenticeships are not 
eligible for 529 plans as well.
  To solve this problem, I am proud to have introduced H.R. 4469, the 
American Workforce Employment Act, and I would like to offer special 
thanks to my colleagues, Representatives Jeff Van Drew from New Jersey, 
Ron Estes from Kansas, and Paul Mitchell from Michigan, for coauthoring 
this legislation.
  Our bipartisan bill expands the application of 529 savings plans to 
include expenses leading to postsecondary credentials, certain 
apprenticeships, and the purchase of tools and equipment, which is very 
important.
  These programs have been identified as critical by trade unions and 
manufacturers. Empowering men and women to utilize their own pretax 
dollars will increase the number of highly trained individuals pursuing 
high-wage vocations and filling workforce gaps in agriculture, 
manufacturing, and skilled labor sectors.
  I ask my colleagues to support our bipartisan legislation so that 
Americans can receive education and technical training to pursue their 
dreams and expand our economy.

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