Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act Surpasses 100 Cosponsors
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator Dec 11, 2023

As a proud member of Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, PRINTING United Alliance is pleased to announce that the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477) surpassed 100 bipartisan cosponsors. The Act would expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include postsecondary training and credentialing, such
as licenses and professional certifications.

The bill would provide valuable tax-advantaged resources for families, students and workers—with or without a college degree—who pursue career growth, mid-career changes or pathways that diverge from a typical academic route. This bill would help the printing industry develop new talent since 529 funds would be permitted to cover the cost of the Alliance's certifications through iLEARNING+.

The coalition includes more than 760 organizations that operate in more than 50 industries and advocates for beneficial workforce development policy that would strengthen the economy now and into the future. As part of the coalition, the Alliance Government Affairs staff recently met with Senator Ben Cardin's (D-MD) senior staff to advocate for the Senate version of the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act (S. 722). The Senate version is led by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Braun (R-IN). The Alliance plans on joining the coalition in future meetings to advocate for the legislation and explain how the labor shortage has significantly impacted the printing industry. 

We need your voice to amplify the message! Tell your Members of Congress and Senators to support the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act today! Here's the alert to take action. Thank you for your support.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, addresses 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 Legislation
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Coordinator
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Coordinator for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. She manages all aspects of grassroots advocacy campaigns, including facilitating timely call-to-action alerts and updates to The Advocacy Center on key federal and state legislative issues. As a member of the Office of Corporate Communications, Buka manages the content and audience building responsibilities for the Government Affairs team. 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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