Lankford Supports Flexibility for Workers to Pursue Continuing Education, Workforce Development Opportunities

WASHINGTON, DC – Senator James Lankford (R-OK) joined Senator Ted Budd (R-NC) to introduce the Flexibility for Workers Education Act, which modifies the Fair Labor Standards Act, to allow employers to offer voluntary growth and development opportunities outside of work hours to their employees that relate to the employee’s job without counting toward hours worked. The bill is also sponsored by Senators Mike Braun (R-IN) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) with the House companion bill led by Rep. Ashley Hinson (R-IA).

“For years, employees that wanted to get ahead took classes, earned degrees or found ways to improve their professional or personal skills,” said Lankford. “Employers should be able to offer voluntary training, workshops, and other educational opportunities without being required to count that time as overtime since the worker is gaining new skills. Our bill would help balance this out to the benefit of workers and employers.”

 “At a time when small business owners across our state are struggling to find qualified candidates, now is the time to cut the burdensome red tape that has stifled the upward mobility of thousands of workers. I’m proud to put forward a proposal that supports access to innovative education options, skills development tools, and career growth,” said Budd.

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