Rep. Anthony Gonzalez Helps Reintroduce JOBS Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Anthony Gonzalez and a bipartisan coalition of elected officials reintroduced the Jumpstart Our Businesses By Supporting Students (JOBS) Act this week.

The JOBS Act would expand Pell Grant eligibility to qualifying, short-term training programs. The goal is to give more Americans access to industry-recognized credentials, Gonzalez's office said.

The U.S. House's JOBS Act is companion legislation to a bill introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sen. Rob Portman, a Republican from Ohio, and Sen. Tim Kaine, a Democrat from Virginia.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has forever changed the fabric of our economy, causing many to consider new career and workforce opportunities,” Gonzalez said in a statement. “I am pleased to join my colleagues in re-introducing the JOBS Act today, which can help Americans as they consider new job opportunities and connect employers with dedicated employees to help bridge the skills gap in Ohio. It is imperative that Congress look for bipartisan solutions, like the JOBS Act, to get Americans back to work.”

The JOBS Act also amends the Higher Education Act (HEA) by adding two additional categories that qualify for Pell Grants: "eligible career pathway programs" and "eligible job training programs." Both categories include specific criteria that must be met to qualify, including aligning training with requirements of high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries.

The reintroduction of the JOBS Act drew praise from the Ohio Workforce Coalition, Stark State College, Cuyahoga Community College, and the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce.