Grassley, Budd Introduce Legislation to Empower Vocational Students, Unlock Workforce Potential

Grassley, Budd Introduce Legislation to Empower Vocational Students, Unlock Workforce Potential

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) introduced the Promoting Employment and Lifelong Learning (PELL) Act to expand Pell Grant eligibility to short-term, technical training programs. This legislation would make available financial assistance for low-income students looking to pursue in-demand and high-paying careers in skilled trades.

"Too many students are pushed into debt seeking a four-year degree that doesn't suit job market demands. That needs to change. Our legislation will expand access to high-quality, short-term job training programs to close the skills gap, reduce college debt and ensure more students can enter the workforce in high-demand industries," Grassley said.

"We cannot build tomorrow's workforce based on the blueprint for yesterday's economy. By modernizing Pell Grant eligibility, we can open the door for millions of Americans to gain in-demand skills, while creating more family-sustaining careers. In as little as eight weeks, students can earn industry-recognized credentials and practical knowledge - the real currency of today's labor market. It's time to build a workforce strategy as modern and dynamic as the economy we're preparing it for," Budd said.

Grassley and Budd are joined by Sens. Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) and Jim Justice (R-W.Va.).

The PELL Act served as the original framework for the House of Representatives' Student Success and Taxpayer Savings Plan, which was recently included in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce's reconciliation bill.

Read the full bill text HERE.

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