The Committee on Appropriations for the Senate Labor Health and Human Services included language in their 2025 funding bill recommending the Employment and Training Administration spend $2 million on the Employee Ownership Initiative. 

Specifically, it says: "Employee Ownership Initiative —The Committee recommendation includes $2,000,000 for grants authorized by section 346(d) of the SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022. Funds will be used to establish and expand employee ownership programs authorized by such section. The Committee expects the Employee Benefits Security Administration to provide subject matter assistance to ETA as it develops and administers this grant program."

While actual funding for the promotion and education of employee ownership authorized in the WORK Act is not guaranteed, this is definitely a great step in the right direction.  The network of State Centers for Employee Ownership stands ready to partner with their individual state governments to carryout the purpose of the WORK Act. We applaud Senator Bernie Sanders and his staff for leading the charge on this funding! 

Read the full recommendation now>