Congressman Horsford Introduces Jumpstart Our Businesses by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act to Grow Nevada’s Economy

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04) joined Representatives Cedric Richmond (D-LA), Anthony Gonzalez (R-OH), Andy Levin (D-MI), John Katko (R-NY) and Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) to introduce a new bipartisan bill, the Jumpstart Our Business by Supporting Students (JOBS) Act in the House of Representatives.

The bill would amend the Higher Education Act of 1965, allowing Federal Pell Grants to students in short-term job training programs. The act would remove the financial burden of job training programs for Nevadans enrolled at an institute of higher education.

Many of the individuals who enter into skills and job training programs are at the lowest end of the socioeconomic level, yet they are denied access to federal financial aid. With the JOBS Act, the Federal Pell Grant Program—needs-based grants for low-income and working students—would be used to offset the cost of programs that equip them to enter the workforce rather than obtain a degree.

"Nevada has the fastest growing economy in the nation, adding almost 50,000 jobs in the last month alone. However, many of these jobs are going unfilled while our workforce lacks the necessary skills," Congressman Horsford said. "We need to create a workforce that is ready to take on the demands of a fluctuating labor market. Through federal financial aid, the JOBS Act will make training for critical jobs in industries like healthcare, technology, and manufacturing accessible to students pursuing postsecondary certification."

Nevada continues to add jobs at a record rate, consistently among the fastest growing job markets across the country. Without access to job training, however, many of those jobs remain empty. The top five highest-demand occupations are software developers, computer systems analysts, licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses, industrial machinery mechanics and industrial engineers—all careers that require specific training rather than a degree. The JOBS Act would provide aid to those seeking specialized training rather than sequestering those funds only for students seeking degrees.

Creating job training opportunities has long been a part of Congressman Horsford's agenda for Nevadans. Last week, the Congressman introduced the Health Providers Training Act, H.R. 3342, which grants hospitals eligibility for the Health Profession Opportunity Grant (HPOG) Program to train Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients and low-income individuals for positions in the healthcare field expected to be in high demand or experience a labor shortage. HPOG participants can obtain a higher education, training, and support services needed to secure jobs that pay well in the healthcare field, giving Nevadans the opportunity to reach financial security.

Congressman Horsford has also co-sponsored multiple bills that expand workforce development in health care including the Resident Physician Shortage Reduction Act, Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act, and Community Health Center and Primary Care Workforce Expansion Act.