Nyco Sani-Spritz

At this year’s ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C., the conversation around expanding the workforce and bolstering training programs took center stage as industry professionals, policymakers, and association leaders gathered to discuss actionable strategies. Two key voices at the forefront of this movement—Kyle Hayes, senior director of the Center for Association Leadership (ASAE), and Misty Chally, executive director of the Critical Labor Coalition—shared real-time insights on federal policy developments and practical solutions to workforce shortages in a briefing on Monday. Together, they laid out a compelling vision for supporting tomorrow’s workforce through legislation that expands access to training and incentivizes employers to hire underserved communities. From college savings to career savings Kyle Hayes opened the session with optimism, drawing from the recent ASAE fly-in, which saw record participation and reaffirmed that grassroots advocacy is resonating on Capitol Hill. “What you’re doing here really makes a difference,” Hayes told summit attendees. “These personal stories are what move lawmakers to understand the real impact of legislation.” He introduced the 529 Enhancement Bill (HR 1151 / S.756)—a bipartisan effort to transform traditional 529 plan college savings accounts into flexible “career savings plans.” These plans, traditionally limited to tuition for two- and four-year colleges, would be expanded to cover vocational licenses, certifications, and industry-recognized training programs. “The message that resonates most with legislators is that the workforce is shifting,” Hayes explained. “Not everyone is taking the four-year college route, and this bill reflects that reality.” Hayes noted that the bill is backed by the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which now boasts 900 member organizations representing nearly every sector of the economy. In the last Congress, the bill gained more than 150 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House and 26 in the Senate. Early signs in the current Congress are equally promising, with momentum building again. Cost-wise, Hayes emphasized that the bill is budget-friendly: US$85 million over 10 years, a negligible amount in the context of federal spending. This modest cost, combined with high-impact outcomes, positions it well for inclusion in upcoming tax reform negotiations. Critically, the bill ensures quality by tying eligible training programs to those already recognized under federal workforce systems, including: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) The National Commission on Certifying Agencies (NCCA) Programs approved by the Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense Hayes addressed concerns about potential misuse by high-income earners, a point previously raised by some Democratic offices. “Expanding 529s doesn’t take away from traditional uses—it makes them more inclusive,” he said. “Families of modest means should be able to use those funds for alternative career paths.” Where are the workers? Shifting the conversation from training to hiring, Misty Chally took the floor to tackle the labor shortage head-on. “There’s no silver bullet,” Chally admitted, “but the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is one of the tools that’s working—and we need to make sure it survives.” Chally’s Critical Labor Coalition, formed in 2022, represents industries hit hard by labor shortages—from restaurants and hotels to amusement parks and franchise operators. Her coalition is focused on pragmatic solutions, especially tax incentives and workforce growth initiatives (a.k.a. immigration reform). One of the most critical tools, she said, is WOTC—a federal tax credit that encourages employers to hire individuals from groups that traditionally face employment barriers. These include: Veterans SNAP recipients under the age of 40 People with disabilities Long-term unemployed individuals Formerly incarcerated individuals Youth in summer employment programs “WOTC is a lifeline for entry-level workers and the businesses that want to hire them,” Chally said. “But it’s under threat.” Originally passed in 1996, WOTC has never been made permanent and is set to expire at the end of this year unless Congress acts. The Improve and Enhance the WOTC Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill, seeks to increase the credit from 40% to 50% of up to $6,000 in wages and add a second tier of tax credit for workers who remain on the job for over 400 hours. Chally used a real-world example to explain the benefits: “If you hire someone like Lindsay, a SNAP recipient under 40, and she works 1,000 hours at $15/hour, the tax credit today would be $2,400. Under the new bill, it would be $6,000. That’s a meaningful difference.” Chally stressed that WOTC is not part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) that’s getting most of the attention this year, but it still expires. Without an extension, any effort to improve the credit would be moot. “This isn’t a partisan issue,” she said. “It’s a workforce issue. Businesses need workers, and workers need opportunity. A united front Throughout the session, both Hayes and Chally echoed the same call to action: Share your story. “The numbers are compelling,” Hayes said, “but the most powerful tool you have is your experience. Tell lawmakers what it means for your business, your employees, your community.” Whether it’s a cleaning company trying to upskill workers through industry certifications or a restaurant hiring veterans who need a second chance, these stories bring policy to life. Learn more about ISSA Advocacy.

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Nyco Sani-Spritz

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