Momentum is steadily building for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151/S. 756), a key bipartisan effort designed to strengthen workforce development. With signs pointing toward consideration in the current legislative session, the Act is poised to expand educational access and address critical workforce shortages across industries.

The Act seeks to expand the use of 529 education savings plans—traditionally limited to college tuition—to cover additional expenses related to obtaining or maintaining recognized postsecondary credentials. This includes costs associated with technical training, certification programs (including the PE license), and other workforce development initiatives. Specifically, the Act would allow 529 plans to cover:

• Tuition, fees, books, supplies, and equipment required for enrollment in recognized postsecondary credential programs.
• Fees for obtaining or maintaining a recognized postsecondary credential, including certifications accredited by organizations like the National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA) or the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
• Testing and other fees required by credentialing organizations.

NSPE has been a strong advocate for the Act, recognizing its potential to improve workforce development opportunities for professionals. Last year, NSPE mobilized an impactful grassroots campaign, resulting in over 350 letters sent to Congress advocating for the bill’s passage. This widespread engagement from NSPE members was crucial in demonstrating how expanding the use of 529 plans could benefit engineers and other professionals by allowing them to use their savings for certifications and continuing education—ultimately addressing the skills gap and fostering career growth across industries.

While previous efforts to pass the Act have faced challenges, including partisan dynamics and navigating a divided Congress, momentum from the last session offers hope for success. A turning point occurred in 2024 when the Act was integrated into a broader legislative package focused on workforce development and education reform. Although partisan divides made it difficult to pass the package in the House, the Act itself became a central focus of the House Ways & Means Committee—the tax-writing committee responsible for shaping the bill and future tax reform efforts.

With over 150 cosponsors in the House and nearly 30 in the Senate last Congress, the Act secured broad bipartisan support. This momentum is expected to carry into the current Congress, accelerating the bill's progress and strengthening support throughout 2025.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the Act will cost $85 million over the next 10 years, or $8.5 million annually—less than 0.001% of the annual federal budget. The true value of this investment lies in its potential to help PEs, aspiring PEs, and other professionals advance their careers, while stimulating economic activity that can contribute to continued growth and stability.

Your Voice Matters: Support the Act!

TAKE ACTION TODAY!  NSPE recently called on all members to write to their legislators urging them to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. If you haven’t yet had the chance, please consider participating today. Together, we can expand access to educational resources and create more opportunities for professionals to succeed and grow.