Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create a new "Workforce Development Innovation Fund" administered by the Secretary of Labor. Under this fund, the Secretary could award competitive grants—early-phase, mid-phase, and expansion grants—to help organizations develop, test, and scale up job-training and employment programs based on varying levels of research evidence. Grants would require recipients to spend at least 60 percent of funds on direct program implementation, with the remainder covering rigorous third-party evaluations. The bill sets funding targets, including that at least half of available funds go to "expansion grants" for programs with strong evidence of success, and reserves up to 10 percent for technical assistance and evaluation research.
Eligible grant recipients include state and local workforce boards, tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations, colleges and universities, state workforce agencies, community and nonprofit organizations serving underserved populations, and consortia of these groups. The programs funded could include sectoral training, apprenticeships, re-entry initiatives, career pathway models, and similar workforce services, potentially benefiting job seekers, including those facing employment barriers, and employers seeking skilled workers.
The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, meaning funding would depend on future congressional budget decisions. It was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Michael Bennet and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, and passage by both chambers, before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 22, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5077 do?
- The Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act would amend the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to create a new "Workforce Development Innovation Fund" administered by the Secretary of Labor. Under this fund, the Secretary could award competitive grants—early-phase, mid-phase, and expansion grants—to help organizations develop, test, and scale up job-training and employment programs based on varying levels of research evidence. Grants would require recipients to spend at least 60 percent of funds on direct program implementation, with the remainder covering rigorous third-party evaluations. The bill sets funding targets, including that at least half of available funds go to "expansion grants" for programs with strong evidence of success, and reserves up to 10 percent for technical assistance and evaluation research. Eligible grant recipients include state and local workforce boards, tribal and Native Hawaiian organizations, colleges and universities, state workforce agencies, community and nonprofit organizations serving underserved populations, and consortia of these groups. The programs funded could include sectoral training, apprenticeships, re-entry initiatives, career pathway models, and similar workforce services, potentially benefiting job seekers, including those facing employment barriers, and employers seeking skilled workers. The bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031, meaning funding would depend on future congressional budget decisions. It was introduced in the Senate on July 22, 2026, by Senator Michael Bennet and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. As an introduced bill, it would need committee consideration, and passage by both chambers, before becoming law.
- Has S. 5077 become law?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, S. 5077 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5077?
- S. 5077 was sponsored by Sen. Michael Bennet [D-CO] (Democrat-CO), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5077?
- Introduced (22 Jul 2026).
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