Legislation would allow families to use ‘529’ education savings accounts to pay for training programs

WASHINGTON – Senator Peter Welch (D-VT) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Braun (R-IN) to reintroduce the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation to allow the use of ‘529’ education savings accounts for skills training, credentialing, and certification programs. Current law only permits workers and families to use ‘529’ accounts to pay for college, university, and vocational school expenses.  

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and expand their professional opportunities. This bill makes it easier for families to do just that—whether that’s in a college classroom or through skills training and development,” said Sen. Welch. “Making it easier to access training and certification programs is a win for our local economies, and gives students of all types the tools they need to thrive.” 

“Skills training and development programs help provide people with the tools and resources they need to succeed in our economy,” said Sen. Klobuchar. “By allowing workers to use their ‘529’ educational savings to pay for additional training and certification, our bipartisan legislation will enable more Americans to access and benefit from these valuable programs.”  

“Every high school student in America needs to know that you don’t necessarily have to go to college to have a great career. By expanding opportunities and access to skills training programs, and letting Americans use their ‘529’ education savings to pay for it, we can address the nationwide skills shortage and fill American jobs,” said Sen. Braun.  

In addition to Sens. Welch, Klobuchar, and Braun, the legislation is cosponsored by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Susan Collins (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Joe Manchin (D-WV), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), and Tommy Tuberville (R-AL).  

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