Bill · S. 5077· Senate(119-S-5077)
Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act
- Introduced
- 7/22/2026
- Last activity
- 7/22/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- Sponsored by
- Michael Bennet
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The "Better Jobs through Evidence and Innovation Act" authorizes workforce development innovation grants to improve employment and training services. These grants allow eligible entities to establish, expand, or replicate evidence-based programs. The bill focuses on creating programs that improve earnings and employment outcomes, particularly for those with barriers to employment. It establishes different grant phases, including early-phase, mid-phase, and expansion grants. Funding is intended to support the implementation and rigorous evaluation of these innovative services. The act also authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2027 through 2031.
Yes· 3 of 11
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill focuses on increasing access to employment and training for individuals with barriers to employment.
Would people in rural areas be better off under this?+5
The bill specifically identifies rural areas as a priority for cost-effective innovation programs.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill authorizes grants specifically designed to improve employment outcomes and increase access to jobs.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Improved Employment Outcomes: The bill aims to support programs that generate sustained improvements in earnings and employment for participants, including those facing barriers to employment (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(I)).
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Increased Access and Opportunity: The program seeks to increase access to employment, education, training, and support services for individuals with barriers to employment (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(aa)).
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Support for Underserved Communities: The bill targets the cost-effectiveness of programs for communities not sufficiently served by existing models, specifically mentioning rural areas (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(i)(II)(cc)).
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Diverse Service Options: The bill supports various field-initiated models such as registered apprenticeships, re-entry initiatives, and career pathway models (Section 2(a)(3)(B)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Stringent Evaluation Requirements: To receive certain grants, entities must perform rigorous impact evaluations through third-party research organizations, which may place a heavy burden on the program's operations (Section 2(a)(1)(A)(ii)).
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High Evidence Standards for Expansion: Expansion grants are limited to programs that have already demonstrated a high level of evidence through multiple studies, which may restrict the growth of newer or less-tested successful programs (Section 2(a)(1)(C)(ii) and Section 2(a)(1)(D)(iii)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Rural Residents+5Good For Hispanic Americans+3Good For Middle Class Households+3Good For Union Workers+3
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+3
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Rural Development+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+4
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+2
- 7/22/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
One bill Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Lisa Blunt RochesterDemocrat · Delaware