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S5570119th CongressWALLET

Ready to Work Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would create a federal jobs initiative to address long-term unemployment by funding locally run jobs programs and competitive grants for high-poverty areas to connect people to paid, transitional, and credentialed work with supportive services.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New federal jobs program and funding

If enacted, the bill would create a federal jobs initiative run by the Department of Labor. The Secretary would make 4-year agreements with local boards and pay eligible wage and program costs. The bill would authorize and appropriate such sums as necessary each year beginning in FY2026. Local boards would get quarterly advance payments, report performance, coordinate with State plans, and the Secretary could replace persistently underperforming local boards with a community-based organization.

Worker input, employer picks, and grievances

If enacted, local boards would ask eligible workers for feedback and consider input from labor and joint labor-management groups when choosing or renewing participating employers. At union-covered worksites, all labor organizations would have to consent before placements. Employers could not displace or repeatedly rotate workers into permanent roles except for intended promotions or approved training. Boards would maintain grievance procedures with a one-year filing limit, set hearing and arbitration timelines, and provide remedies including suspension of payments, reinstatement, and lost wages for displacement violations.

Wage floors, employer shares, and caps

If enacted, the bill would require participating employers to pay eligible workers at least the highest of three rates: the federal minimum wage, the State or local minimum wage, or the poverty-line hourly rate for a family of four. Employers would have to provide participants the same level of benefits as similar employees. The bill would set employer shares (33% when area unemployment is 5% or less, falling above 5%, and 50% for some second-year training positions). Career, supportive, and training services would be capped at 20% of eligible wages and local board administration at 10%.

Who can join and job types covered

If enacted, the bill would define an eligible worker as someone 18 or older, authorized to work in the U.S., not employed or a full-time student for at least 27 weeks, and seeking work for at least 4 weeks. Program positions would include temporary jobs, transitional jobs, registered apprenticeships, and certain national service roles. Wages and compensation would generally be funded for up to 12 months, with up to 12 more months for qualifying on-the-job training that leads to a recognized postsecondary credential.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Van Hollen, Chris [D-MD]

MD • D

Cosponsors

  • Sen. Murphy, Christopher [D-CT]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 9/28/2026

  • Sen. Blumenthal, Richard [D-CT]

    CT • D

    Sponsored 9/28/2026

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 9/28/2026

  • Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 9/28/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
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