Congresswoman's Bill Would Cover Tools for Automotive Students, Apprentices

For many, the cost of tools has proven to be one of the biggest barriers to entry for the auto repair industry—but one Congressperson’s recent bill aims to alleviate that burden for technicians.

According to a recent press release, the Fairness for the Trades Act, introduced by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, would expand eligible uses of a 529 education savings plan to cover the cost of tools needed for technical careers.

Funds from 529 education savings plans may be used at any accredited college, university, vocational school, or other post-secondary educational institutions in the U.S. It’s also recently been expanded to cover costs associated with registered apprenticeships.

A former shop owner and Right to Repair advocate herself, Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez’s bill would expand 529 education savings plans to cover the purchase of qualified business expenses in auto repair and maintenance fields, as well as construction, plumbing, electrical, logging, fishing, and farming.

“For hardworking young people who have access to a 529 savings plan, it’s important they can choose their own career path where they do what they love and are skilled at,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Buying the tools to start a career or business in the trades is expensive–and these plans need to support toolboxes, not only tuition.”