Congressman Max Miller Introduces Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act to Expand Education and Training Vouchers

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Max Miller (OH-07) introduced H.R.7343, the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, to expand use of education and training vouchers (ETVs) to allow foster youth to access short-term workforce and vocational training programs, apprenticeships, and remedial education. Currently, vouchers do not grant recipients access to all the career pathways they need to be successful in the modern economy. The bill provides flexibility for youth to pursue alternative career pathways to obtain certifications needed for in-demand jobs. 

“Too many foster youths face unnecessary barriers when trying to pursue workforce training,” said Congressman Miller. “I’m proud to lead legislation to expand opportunities that prepare our young people for the jobs of today’s economy.”  

“I’m proud to serve as the Democratic co-lead on the Foster Youth Workforce Opportunity Act, said Congressman Dwight Evans. This bill would help more foster youth to access education and training to help them succeed.” 

“ETV can currently be used for some vocational schools if the school is listed on the FAFSA. But that leaves many trade schools and short-term certificates ineligible. This can be a barrier to connecting former foster youth with necessary workforce skills,” said Lisa Dickson, Communications Chair, ACTION Ohio. “Extending ETV to connect former foster youth with apprenticeships and vocational training programs will set them up for success by linking them with needed educational support.” 

Bill text can be found here. 

Editor’s note regarding Congressman Miller: 

 
Congressman Max Miller represents Ohio’s Seventh District, which includes Medina and Wayne counties as well as parts of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. Miller serves on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. The Republican sophomore members selected Miller as their representative to the Republican Steering Committee. He is a member of the Republican Study Committee and the Main Street Caucus. Before joining Congress, Miller spent six years in the Marine Corps Reserves and served in several senior positions for President Donald Trump. Please visit  http://maxmiller.house.gov for more information. 

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