Plain Language Summary
# CAREERS Act Summary **What It Does** The CAREERS Act would reauthorize and expand a Department of Agriculture grant program called RISE (Rural Innovation Stronger Economy) that helps rural communities create jobs and develop businesses. The bill specifically adds new uses for these grants: funding career pathway programs (combinations of education, training, and support services) and industry partnerships in rural areas. These programs could focus on industries like telecommunications, broadband, water/wastewater services, and electric utilities. **Who It Affects** The bill targets rural communities, particularly those facing economic challenges. It would help workers in these areas by funding training programs and job partnerships, while also supporting local businesses and industries that are critical to rural infrastructure and economic development. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee in the 119th Congress, meaning it has been introduced but hasn't yet advanced for a full vote.
It was sponsored by Rep. Nicholas Langworthy (R-NY). The bill essentially builds on an existing USDA program rather than creating something entirely new, focusing on expanding what types of economic development projects can receive federal grant support.
CRS Official Summary
Creating Access to Rural Employment and Education for Resilience and Success Act or the CAREERS ActThis bill reauthorizes the Rural Innovation Stronger Economy (RISE) Grant Program and expands the program to include support for career pathway programs or industry or sector partnerships in industries in rural communities.As background, this Department of Agriculture (USDA) program offers grant assistance to create and augment high-wage jobs, accelerate the formation of new businesses, support industry clusters, and maximize the use of local productive assets in eligible low-income rural areas.Under the bill, RISE grant program funds may be used to support career pathway programs (i.e., a combination of rigorous and high-quality education, training, and other services) or industry or sector partnerships in industries in rural communities. These industries may include public utilities (i.e., telecommunications, broadband, water, wastewater, disposal, and electric supply services), conservation practices and management, health care, child care, manufacturing, and agribusiness.The bill removes the current requirement that the program provide grants (to the maximum extent practicable) for job accelerators in at least 25 states. Instead, USDA must ensure the regional diversity of grant recipients or participants in providing for job accelerators, career pathway programs, and industry or sector partnerships.The bill also includes additional reporting requirements for career pathway programs and industry or sector partnership grant recipients.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.