Josh Harder (D-CA)
Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act establishes a Workforce Development Innovation Fund. This fund allows the Secretary to award competitive grants to various eligible entities for workforce development programs. These grants support the implementation, expansion, and evaluation of evidence-based programs designed to improve employment and training services. The bill outlines different grant phases, including early-phase, mid-phase, and expansion grants. It also sets specific standards for evidence levels to ensure program effectiveness. The Act authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 18
- Scored +6
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill focuses on individuals with barriers to employment, who often fall into low-income categories.
- Scored +5
Would people with disabilities be better off under this?
The bill targets programs that assist individuals with barriers to employment, which includes those with disabilities.
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically mentions improving the cost-effectiveness of services for rural communities.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Earnings and Employment: The bill targets programs that generate demonstrated sustained improvements in earnings and employment outcomes for participants (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(I)).
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Support for Individuals with Barriers: The legislation specifically focuses on improving services for individuals who face barriers to employment (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(I) and Section 2(a)(1)(D)(i)(I)).
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Increased Access and Opportunities: The program aims to increase access to and opportunities for employment, education, training, and support services (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(aa)).
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Benefits for Rural Communities: The bill seeks to improve the cost-effectiveness of programs for communities that are not sufficiently served by existing models, specifically mentioning rural areas (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(cc)).
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Addressing Labor Market Needs: The grants are intended to help address the specific needs of employers and the labor market (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(bb)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Funding Restrictions on Implementation: Eligible entities are required to use at least 60 percent of their award for direct program implementation, which limits how the remaining funds can be used (Section 2(a)(1)(B)(iii)(iv)).
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Limited Funding for Early Stages: The Secretary is directed to use no more than 25 percent of the funds for early-phase grants (Section 2(a)(1)(E)(ii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — The bill focuses on individuals with barriers to employment, who often fall into low-income categories. Would people with disabilities be better off under this? — The bill targets programs that assist individuals with barriers to employment, which includes those with disabilities. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically mentions improving the cost-effectiveness of services for rural communities. Would business owners be better off under this? — The bill aims to address employer and labor market needs through better-trained workers. Would students be better off under this? — Training and education opportunities can benefit students looking to enter the workforce. Would people in middle age be better off under this? — Training services can assist middle-aged workers facing career transitions. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — Increased job opportunities and training can benefit middle-class career advancement. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill explicitly lists labor organizations as eligible entities for receiving grants. Would people in cities be better off under this? — Workforce development programs can provide significant opportunities for urban populations. Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this? — Workforce development often disproportionately benefits younger populations entering the labor market.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill funds evidence-based programs designed to improve employment and training services. Is this likely to grow the economy? — By improving workforce skills and addressing labor market needs, the bill supports broader economic growth. Does this make the government pay for what it commits to? — The emphasis on evidence-based programs aims to improve the cost-effectiveness of workforce spending.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill explicitly includes provisions to improve the cost-effectiveness of programs for rural communities.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By targeting increased earnings for those with barriers to employment, the bill supports poverty reduction.
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill funds rigorous impact evaluations and research into workforce development innovation.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The requirement for rigorous impact evaluations and third-party research promotes programmatic transparency. Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill grants the Secretary authority to award competitive grants to various entities.
- 8/27/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lucy McBathDemocrat · Georgia