The Skills Renewal Act (S. 3779/H.R. 7032) is a set of bills that would provide those most economically affected by the COVID-19 pandemic with the opportunity to learn new professional skills. Recently introduced in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, the bills contain a provision that would create a credit of up to $4,000 for any form of professional skills training.

“Our economy was changing rapidly before this nasty virus and the current economic crisis is going to speed things up,” says Senator Ben Sasse (R-NE), one of the bill's cosponsors. “We have to make sure that Americans have the skills we need to compete. "

Anyone who has become unemployed or been furloughed in 2020 would be eligible for the credit. As many people continue to lose their jobs due to the pandemic, the credit would provide important economic incentives for those who are trying to reenter the workforce.

"The bipartisan bill will enable laid-off workers to access rigorous, evidence-based training programs, helping ease the barriers to reentering the workforce," notes Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ). "In doing so, we can train and build a workforce that is stronger and more dynamic than ever before.” 

We encourage all members to contact their federal legislators to recommend they support these bills.