Joco Today

U.S. Senators Roger Marshall and Tim Kaine have introduced the Jumpstarting Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act, a bipartisan effort aimed at expanding access to job training for Americans. The legislation proposes allowing students to use federal Pell Grants for shorter-term job training programs, which is currently restricted to two- and four-year college courses.

"The JOBS Act will provide an incredible opportunity for students in an ever-changing job market," stated Senator Marshall. "Our legislation will give Americans the chance to learn critical skills for a successful career."

Senator Kaine emphasized the financial barriers faced by many Virginians seeking technical education. "No one should be priced out of an education—including a technical education," he said. He noted that the bill aims to address both the need for skilled workers and employers' struggles to fill such positions.

The JOBS Act would enable Pell Grants to fund high-quality job training programs that last at least eight weeks and result in industry-recognized credentials or certificates. Current regulations only permit these grants for programs over 600 clock hours or 15 weeks long.

The bill has garnered support from numerous co-sponsors, including Senators Tammy Baldwin, Richard Blumenthal, Lisa Blunt Rochester, Cory Booker, Shelley Moore Capito, Chris Coons, Catherine Cortez Masto, Kevin Cramer, Steve Daines, Tammy Duckworth, Kirsten Gillibrand, Maggie Hassan, Martin Heinrich, John Hickenlooper, John Hoeven, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Mark Kelly, Angus King, Amy Klobuchar, Jeff Merkley, Jon Ossoff, Gary Peters, Jacky Rosen, Jeanne Shaheen, Dan Sullivan, Thom Tillis, Tommy Tuberville, Chris Van Hollen, Mark R. Warner; Roger Wicker; and Ron Wyden.