Press Releases

Today, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) introduced legislation to boost participation in apprenticeship programs by creating exemptions for apprenticeship income from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) eligibility criteria.
Registered apprenticeships are a proven path to good-paying jobs and financial stability. However, many apprenticeship programs involve classroom training periods where apprentices do not receive wages, posing significant financial strain, especially during the first year. This makes it difficult for some to stay in the training program. 
The Apprenticeship Opportunity Act would require states receiving TANF block grants to disregard income earned during the first year of an apprenticeship when determining eligibility for cash assistance. This will allow people to continue supporting their families and receive TANF while engaged in apprenticeship training. Failure to comply will result in a 1% reduction in the grant payable to the state for the following fiscal year.

“The Apprenticeship Opportunity Act would open doors to the middle class for more Americans. It would offer workers a greater opportunity to pursue valuable skills training without sacrificing the support needed to help pay rent or keep food on the table,” said DelBene. “Exempting apprenticeship income from TANF eligibility would empower workers, strengthen our workforce, and foster economic growth in our communities.”

“Union apprenticeship programs are a pathway to economic stability for working people of all backgrounds. But federal government policies can prevent apprentices, especially those in their first year, from securing this promise,” said April Sims, President, Washington State Labor Council AFL-CIO. “Labor has fought to ensure apprentices earn while they learn, but folks transitioning into a new trade face roadblocks when they temporarily need access to the social safety net to bridge the gap between their old job and this new, life-changing opportunity. We applaud Congresswoman DelBene’s introduction of the Apprenticeship Opportunity Act to break down barriers for thousands more working people who want to earn a better life for their families.”

“Congresswoman DelBene’s reintroduction of the Apprenticeship Opportunity Act will ensure workers can train for better careers without sacrificing financial support. It’s a win for workers, employers, and U.S. competitiveness, and SPEEA is proud to support this important legislation,” said Brandon Anderson, Legislative Director, Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA), IFPTE Local 2001.

“The Apprenticeship Opportunity Act will greatly help those transitioning from public assistance to Apprenticeship and the resulting careers that will keep them economically sufficient for the rest of their lives.  We know the first year of an Apprenticeship is the hardest to retain underrepresented populations and it is where we see the highest dropout rates,” said Heather Kurtenbach, Executive Secretary, Washington State Building & Construction Trades Council. “Apprentices receive partial wages, do not work full-time due to classroom training, and can also be out of work due just like other construction workers. And if they are economically disadvantaged when they enroll in apprenticeship our policies eliminate their access to all public assistance support. By supporting them through this crucial first year, we are not only helping retain them but also building the next generation of skilled Workforce.”

The Apprenticeship Opportunity Act is cosponsored by Representatives Linda Sánchez (CA-38) Terri Sewell (AL-07), and Marilyn Strickland (WA-10).
The full text of the legislation can be found here.