Bresnahan Introduces Legislation to Incentivize Workforce Training
WASHINGTON, DC: Yesterday, U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan, Jr. (PA-08), along with Representatives Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Max Miller (OH-07), and Alma Adams (NC-12), introduced the Training and Nutrition Stability Act. This bipartisan legislation will close a loophole stemming from the 2018 Farm Bill, which disincentivized participation in learn-as-you-earn job training programs, like apprenticeships, through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Employment and Training (SNAP E&T) program.
Through the 2018 Farm Bill, Congress strengthened SNAP E&T by including paid on-the-job training as an allowable activity under the program. This included the addition of apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships as eligible programs. However, the income earned through these programs are still counted for the purposes of calculating their SNAP eligibility. This increase in income can threaten their SNAP eligibility, and SNAP E&T in turn, forcing recipients to choose between pursuing this workforce training or keeping their food benefits in the short-term under SNAP.
“Work is not a dirty word,” said Rep. Bresnahan. “In Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country, we are facing a skilled-workforce shortage, and businesses are in desperate need of those ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work. This is exactly why we should not punish taking advantage of learn-as-you-earn programs and forcing workers to choose between participation in proven SNAP E&T programs and being able to receive their nutrition benefits.”
As a former Chairman of a IBEW JATC, Rep. Bresnahan is a strong supporter of expanding access to learn-as-you-earn apprenticeship programs to help build the 21st and 22nd century workforce. He recently spoke about the need for this legislation during a House Agriculture Committee hearing regarding SNAP and work.
Specifically, the Training and Nutrition Stability Act would exclude income earned from SNAP E&T programs from the income considered for purposes of determining SNAP eligibility.
“Currently, individuals in high-quality, evidence-based employment and training programs risk losing their nutrition security because of temporary earnings they receive through their participation,” said Rep. Espaillat. “Rules on whether these earnings count against SNAP participants’ eligibility are applied inconsistently across federal programs and funding streams, and this misalignment in policy has created confusion and benefit cliffs for affected individuals who are working to invest in their economic future. It is critical that we work to strengthen workforce opportunities and training opportunities so that individuals are not forced to choose between employment opportunity and skills development or food security.”
“Qualified SNAP recipients should have the opportunity to work or seek the education they need to support themselves. This legislation ensures that their nutritional needs are met without forcing them to abandon their goals of breaking out of the cycle of poverty,” said Rep. Miller. “This bill was included in the 2024 House Agriculture Committee Farm Bill, and I look forward to seeing it move forward.”
“You should never have to choose between building a better life for yourself and losing your food security,” said Rep. Adams. “I’m proud to support the Training and Nutrition Stability Act to ensure that earnings from employment and training programs do not decrease SNAP benefits. You are not going to be successful if you’re hungry. It’s time we close the training gap so we can support those working hard to support themselves.”
“Last year, after release, more than 8,000 motivated people chose to walk through CEO's front door. It is a time of hope and renewal. SNAP is a key part of reentry, but many people's benefits are reduced once they begin a paid job training program.” said Sam Schaeffer, CEO of the Center for Employment Opportunities. “The Training and Nutrition Stability Act will help bridge the gap between workforce development and food security allowing people to provide for their families and build a foundation for lasting independence. CEO is grateful to Representative Espaillat for championing this bipartisan bill, primed to change so many lives.”
You can read the full legislation here.
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