Michael Bennet (D-CO)
Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act
A Democratic bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See the cosponsor
Last activity — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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" authorizes workforce development innovation grants to improve employment and training services. These grants allow eligible entities to establish, expand, or replicate evidence-based programs. The bill focuses on creating programs that improve earnings and employment outcomes, particularly for those with barriers to employment. It establishes different grant phases, including early-phase, mid-phase, and expansion grants. Funding is intended to support the implementation and rigorous evaluation of these innovative services. The act also authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 11
- Scored +5
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
The bill focuses on increasing access to employment and training for individuals with barriers to employment.
- Scored +5
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?
The bill specifically identifies rural areas as a priority for cost-effective innovation programs.
- Scored +5
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill authorizes grants specifically designed to improve employment outcomes and increase access to jobs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Employment Outcomes: The bill aims to support programs that generate sustained improvements in earnings and employment for participants, including those facing barriers to employment (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(I)).
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Increased Access and Opportunity: The program seeks to increase access to employment, education, training, and support services for individuals with barriers to employment (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(aa)).
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Support for Underserved Communities: The bill targets the cost-effectiveness of programs for communities not sufficiently served by existing models, specifically mentioning rural areas (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(cc)).
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Diverse Service Options: The bill supports various field-initiated models such as registered apprenticeships, re-entry initiatives, and career pathway models (Section 2(a)(3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Stringent Evaluation Requirements: To receive certain grants, entities must perform rigorous impact evaluations through third-party research organizations, which may place a heavy burden on the program's operations (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(ii)).
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High Evidence Standards for Expansion: Expansion grants are limited to programs that have already demonstrated a high level of evidence through multiple studies, which may restrict the growth of newer or less-tested successful programs (Section 2(a)(1)(C)(ii) and Section 2(a)(1)(D)(iii)).
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 increasing access to employment and training for individuals with barriers to employment. Would people in rural areas be better off under this? — The bill specifically identifies rural areas as a priority for cost-effective innovation programs. Would Hispanic Americans be better off under this? — The bill's focus on diverse needs and underserved populations can benefit Hispanic communities. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill aims to improve earnings and employment outcomes through workforce development. Would union members be better off under this? — The bill explicitly includes labor organizations as eligible entities for receiving grants.
- Economy And Finance
- Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill authorizes grants specifically designed to improve employment outcomes and increase access to jobs. Does this make it easier to run a small business? — The bill aims to address employer and labor market needs through workforce innovation.
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Does this invest in rural communities? — The bill specifically targets the cost-effectiveness of programs for communities in rural areas.
- Social Issues And Justice
- Is this likely to lift people out of poverty? — By improving earnings and employment for those with barriers, the bill helps lift people out of poverty.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The bill mandates rigorous impact evaluations and the dissemination of evidence-based practices.
- Education And Technology
- Does this make college cost less? — The bill increases access to and opportunities for education and training services.
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
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.
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware