Collins, Young introduce bipartisan Gateway to Careers Act

U.S. Sens. Susan Collins (R-ME) and Todd Young (R-IN) on Jan. 26 introduced bipartisan legislation to establish a federal career pathway grant program that would support a stronger American workforce.

“In the midst of the current economic crisis, it is particularly important that we support individuals who are unemployed or underemployed,” said Sen. Collins. “This bipartisan bill would invest in partnerships that would help to connect more Americans to job training and remove barriers that too often stand in their way.”  

The Gateway to Careers Act, S. 52, which Sens. Collins and Young cosponsored with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), would support career pathways strategies that combine work, education and support services to help individuals earn recognized postsecondary credentials.

“Robust workforce training is essential to helping Americans gain the skills they need to secure good-paying jobs and forge promising new career paths,” Sen. Collins said. 

If enacted, S. 52 would provide grants to support partnerships between community or technical colleges and workforce development partners, such as state workforce development boards, industry associations and community-based organizations, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Collins’ office. 

The partnerships then would support unemployed or underemployed Americans by bolstering job training and providing support for housing, mental and substance use disorder treatment, health insurance coverage, career counseling, child care, transportation, and guidance in accessing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the summary says.

“Every Hoosier deserves a fair shot at success,” said Sen. Young. “Our Gateway to Careers Act would help remove barriers that keep individuals from excelling in our ever-changing workforce. This bill would provide resources to individuals in need, which will in turn help train our workers, support our businesses, and grow our economy — which is especially relevant during this pandemic.”

The bill has garnered support from the National Skills Coalition, Jobs for the Future, the Association for Career and Technical Education, the American Association of Community Colleges, the National Council for Workforce Education, the National Immigration Forum, the Association of Community College Trustees, and the Center for Law and Social Policy.