November 15, 2021

Legislation is Introduced in House to Reduce Barriers for Older Workers

U.S. Representatives Marie Newman (IL), Don Beyer (VA), Suzanne Bonamici (OR) and Sylvia Garcia (TX) recently introduced the Supporting Older Workers Act, H.R. 5531, a bill designed to improve and advance the employment, economic success and well-being of America’s older workers.

The legislation would reduce barriers for older workers by improving career counseling and training opportunities; creating a grant program to support older worker coordinators; and establishing a new Older Workers Bureau at the Department of Labor (DOL).

Specifically, it would address workforce disparities by allowing communities to use federal funding to focus on older workers’ employment options and training needs and to create specialized centers for older workers at local American Jobs Centers.

The special coordinators will partner with labor organizations, Area Agencies on Aging, community colleges, nonprofits and others to increase resources and add support for older workers. The Older Workers Bureau will encompass policy development, research and reporting, and technical assistance.

“We must continue to fight employment discrimination against older workers,” said Joseph Peters, Jr., Secretary-Treasurer of the Alliance. “This legislation addresses the unique barriers that older workers face, particularly with the coronavirus putting them at greater risk.”