WC Wisconsin News

Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03), in collaboration with Reps. Max Miller (OH-07) and Anthony D’Esposito (NY-04), introduced the American Workforce Act in Washington, D.C. The legislation aims to improve access to workforce training by providing high school graduates with a $9,000 voucher. This financial aid will enable them to participate in education programs designed by employers and taught by validated trade associations, community colleges, high schools, non-profits, or labor unions. The funding for these vouchers will partially come from taxes on wealthy private college endowments.

“Tradesmen and women not only built this great country of ours, they keep it running,” said Congressman Van Orden. “The federal government should be doing everything possible to encourage and support the training programs that lead our young men and women to getting these high paying, in-demand jobs."

Congressman Miller highlighted the need for an educational shift towards vocational training: “Our education system leaves behind Americans who want to head directly into the workforce pursuing careers that don’t require a college degree."

Echoing his colleagues' sentiments, Congressman D’Esposito stated: “This critical legislation will invest in our nation's future workforce by providing individuals with opportunities to acquire qualifying work skills which will help combat our nation's skilled labor shortage."

The American Workforce Act outlines several key initiatives including a $9,000 federal voucher for prospective trainees without a bachelor’s degree or higher; an additional $1,000 bonus for employers hiring trainees post-training; mandatory employer-provided training for positions paid at least 80% of the local median household income; and a one percent tax on the fair market value of endowments at certain colleges and universities.

Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Senate companion legislation while Senator JD Vance (R-OH) is an original co-sponsor of the Senate companion bill.