SMACNA Featured in Recent ACHR Article About 529 Plans

Stan Kolbe, SMACNA’s Executive Director for Government and Political Affairs, was recently quoted in a recent article in ACHR talking about a proposal in what has become known as the “one-big beautiful bill” that recently cleared the United States House of Representatives that would enable 529 plans to be used for trades training and certification.  A 529 plan is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to help individuals save for education-related expenses. They have traditionally been used to cover the costs of secondary education.

By enabling these accounts to be used for gaining HVACR certifications, licensing, and apprenticeships, it is thought that this could open more doors for America’s young people to pursue a career in the skilled trades.

In discussing his support, Kolbe said, “We long supported the move to allow 529 plans to assist two-year programs at community colleges, and that was helpful to many families with one child remaining at home and a significant college balance in the 529 fund. We endorse allowing the funds to be reassigned to a second child should the intended recipient decline to finish or have a change of heart and seek another career,” He continued, “Although more can be done, progress is being made on selling the skilled building trades careers of today, the immediate future, and the decades to come.”

Click here to read this recent article in ACHR about the 529 plan proposal.