Congressman Riley M. Moore Introduces Jumpstart Savings Act to Strengthen America’s Skilled Workforce
January 15, 2026
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Riley M. Moore (R-WV) introduced the Jumpstart Savings Act, today. This important legislation will help Americans save tax-free for careers in the trades, skilled labor, and apprenticeship-based professions while strengthening the nation’s workforce as the United States rebuilds its manufacturing and industrial base.
The Jumpstart Savings Act establishes tax-advantaged savings accounts modeled after 529 college savings plans. These accounts allow individuals and families to save for apprenticeship programs, trade certifications, tools, equipment, and small business startup costs associated with skilled professions.
The manufacturing sector is projected to need 3.8 million new workers by 2033, with nearly half of those positions expected to go unfilled due to a lack of training. The average startup cost for a small business in the trades can exceed $100,000, creating a significant barrier to entry for many Americans seeking high-paying, in-demand jobs. By aligning tax policy with workforce development, this legislation helps remove those barriers and expands access to skilled careers.
The bill authorizes states to administer Jumpstart Savings programs and requires program administrators to report contributions, distributions, and account activity to both account holders and the Internal Revenue Service.
BACKGROUND: Proven Success in West Virginia
Congressman Moore previously championed a similar initiative at the state level while serving as West Virginia State Treasurer. Drawing on his own experience working as a welder, Moore authored and successfully implemented the West Virginia Jumpstart Savings Program, the first state-level tax-advantaged savings program designed to help residents save for tools, equipment, certifications, licensure, apprenticeship expenses, and business startup costs related to skilled trades and technical occupations.
The program was passed unanimously by the West Virginia Legislature and signed into law, with strong adoption across multiple industries.
Permitted Uses of Jumpstart Funds:
Under the Jumpstart Savings Act, qualified expenses include:
- Costs necessary to start and operate a small business related to the specific trade or occupation
- Replacement of tools and equipment essential to the business
- Expenses associated with Department of Labor-registered apprenticeship programs
- Tuition, books, fees, and required equipment for associate degree or certification programs at community and technical colleges
- Certification and licensure fees required to enter a trade or occupation
-529 account savings can be rolled into Jumpstart Savings accounts
Congressman Riley M. Moore released the following statement:
“Too many hardworking Americans are locked out of the trades not because they lack skill or work ethic, but because the upfront costs are simply too high. I experienced this firsthand working as a welder—tools, equipment, certifications, and startup expenses add up fast.
The Jumpstart Savings Act helps workers overcome those barriers by giving them a tax-free option to save, start a business, and build a career in the trades. This is about restoring opportunities, strengthening our workforce, and making sure the United States has the skilled labor it needs to usher in America’s Golden Age.”
Joining Congressman Riley M. Moore on this resolution are the following members of Congress: Representatives Michael Rulli (OH-06), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Barry Moore (AL-01), and Craig Goldman (TX-12).
“The Jump Start Savings Act encourages working Americans to save tax-free for the tools, trucks, and training they need to succeed. By supporting those pursuing good-paying union and trades jobs, we are reminding the next generation that there are more paths to success than just through a four-year college. This bill is about dignity of work, growing American manufacturing, and making sure Americans are equipped to earn a great living with their hands without drowning in debt” Congressman Michael Rulli (OH-06) said.
“The average startup cost for a small business in the trades is $100,000. I’m proud to team up with Riley Moore to create Jumpstart Savings — so working Americans pursuing the trades can afford real start-up costs of building a career, like tools and equipment, licenses, and apprenticeship expenses. I’ll keep working to expand pathways into good-paying jobs without forcing people to borrow their way there” Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (IA-02) said.
Organizations that support this resolution are the following: International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Associated Builders and Contractors, and Heritage Action.
"Jump Start Accounts would be a powerful and tax-free tool for individuals to more easily pursue apprenticeships and careers in Teamsters-represented industries" said Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien. "The Teamsters commend Representative Moore for his support for the millions of Americans who choose paths outside of four-year colleges."
"The Jumpstart program is a forward-looking investment in America’s workforce,” said Kristen Swearingen, Vice President of Government Affairs at Associated Builders and Contractors. “By giving individuals, a tax-advantaged way to save for apprenticeships, certifications, tools and trade education, this bill removes financial barriers and expands access to rewarding careers in construction and the skilled trades. This legislation empowers workers, strengthens local economies and helps ensure we have the upskilled workforce needed to build and maintain our communities.”
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