Association Professionals Advocate for Workforce Development Legislation

SWANA was pleased to participate in the legislative fly-in hosted by the American Society of Association Executives™ (ASAE) in Washington, DC. SWANA Director of Public Policy Kristyn Oldendorf represented SWANA at the event and met with Maryland Congressional officers.

ASAE is working to advance the bipartisan, bicameral Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477/S. 722), which would increase workforce development opportunities by allowing 529 savings plans to be used for postsecondary training and credentialing, such as certifications and licensing.

Allowing 529 savings plans to be used as career savings plans will provide more options for families, students and workers—with or without a college degree—who wish to pursue training in a certain field, career growth, or mid-career changes.

In addition to educating legislators about this bill, the fly-in event focused on the role of organizations in democracy and explored timely issues such as the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in advocacy. Association professionals from different organizations across the country had time to connect and learn from one another’s work.