The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act Passes the House
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager May 28, 2025

On May 22, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) which includes the bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1151 / S. 756. PRINTING United Alliance, a member of Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, has advocated for the bill, which was among those supported by members who met with their legislators during the recent Legislative Fly-In on May 15, 2025. 

The Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include post-secondary skills training and credentialing programs, including licenses and nongovernmental certifications. The expansion to include training programs shifts the focus from saving for college to preparing for a wide range of career options. This transformation to “career savings plans” ensures greater accessibility for people across different income and skill levels. Families could invest in lifelong learning and development, regardless of whether the beneficiary is just entering the workforce or seeking to upskill later in life.  

This change in program requirements can grow the printing industry’s workforce by encouraging students to pursue training programs, apprenticeship programs, and print credentials, among others. If the bill is enacted, courses and certifications available through the Alliance’s iLEARNING+ platform would qualify as eligible expenses. 

As the legislation heads to the Senate, the Alliance calls on lawmakers to support the inclusion of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act in any broader tax package. This bill will help families and individuals pursue careers that will increase their quality of life, and it will also strengthen our nation's workforce now and in the future. 

Take Action by urging your Senators to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act through the Alliance’s Advocacy Center. 

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the House passage of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.     

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.   

Advocacy Human Resources Legislation
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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