Hagedorn Touts Bipartisan American Workforce Empowerment Act on House Floor

WASHINGTON – Congressmen Jim Hagedorn (MN-01) and Jeff Van Drew (NJ-02) spoke on the floor of the House of Representatives this morning in favor of their bipartisan legislation, H.R. 4469, the “American Workforce Empowerment Act.”

The Hagedorn-Van Drew bill will expand the application of 529 savings plans to include educational expenses spent on programs leading to post-secondary credential, as defined in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, including tools and equipment. Apprenticeship programs registered under the National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 will also be 529-eligible.

“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,” said Hagedorn. “I ask my colleagues to support our bipartisan legislation, so Americans can receive education and technical training to pursue their dreams and expand our economy.”

“Small businesses are in need of machinists, welders, truck drivers and an array of qualified trades and labor-intensive professions. We should do everything we can to incentivize technical skills training and apprenticeships for those who like to work with their hands and see the product of their hard work,” said Van Drew. “By making registered apprenticeships eligible, we can more easily and readily close the wide gap of good paying positions that have gone unfilled in our robust economy.”

Jim Hagedorn was elected in 2018 to represent Minnesota’s First District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He grew up on his family’s grain and livestock farm near Truman. Jim’s father, former U.S. Congressman Tom Hagedorn (MN-02), grandfather, and great-grandfather were all southern Minnesota farmers. Jim currently resides in the rural farming community of Blue Earth. Hagedorn brings policy experience to Capitol Hill from time spent as a congressional aide to former U.S. Congressman Arlan Stangeland (MN-07) and a congressional relations officer for two non-partisan U.S. Department of the Treasury agencies. Hagedorn serves on the House Committees on Agriculture and Small Business to promote farming, Main Street enterprises and southern Minnesota’s way of life.

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