Larson Introduces Bill to Address Health Care Worker Shortage

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01) introduced the HOPE (Health Opportunities to Promote Equity) Actto provide federal funding to support education, job training, and credentialing needed for low-income Americans to enter the health care workforce.

The HOPE Act would expand access to the HPOG (Health Profession Opportunity Grant) award, originally created by the Affordable Care Act. Rep. Larson's bill would require the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to award each state at least two HPOG awards, to provide Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and other low-income Americans with free health care job training.

"Everyone should have access to quality health care, and everyone should be able to get the support they need to get ahead," said Larson. "As our nation, and especially the State of Connecticut, faces a health care worker shortage, we need to do everything we can to invest in training programs that meet the needs of our care providers. The HOPE Act is a critical step forward to expand access to education, job training, and credentialing in the health care field, and ensure the federal government invests these resources directly in Connecticut. I will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure low-income residents have the support they need to overcome barriers, secure good-paying jobs, and grow our health care workforce."

HPOG recipients can become nurses, patient care technicians, EMTs, and pharmacy technicians. Before funding for HPOG expired in 2022, the Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board, Northwest Regional Workforce Development Board, and Workforce Alliance worked together to operate a program that served 747 participants across Connecticut.

Full bill text is available HERE.