Future Caucus Member Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Advance the Accounting Workforce

On June 11th, 2021, emeritus Congressional Future Caucus co-chair Rep. Haley Stevens (MI-11) and Millennial lawmaker Rep. Victoria Spartz (IN-05) introduced HR3855, the Accounting STEM Pursuit Act of 2021, in the House of Representatives. 

This bipartisan legislation promotes early exposure to the accounting profession as a viable STEM career. In order to serve the public interest, accounting professionals must utilize advancing technologies. The bill seeks to expose a diverse group of students to accounting careers early in their STEM education.

Identifying talent at an early age will help to advance and diversify the accounting workforce. Rep. Stevens remarks that “our financial institutions and their consumers will benefit tremendously from a strengthened pipeline of talented workers of all backgrounds who are ready to meet the needs of our rapidly changing world.” The Accounting STEM Pursuit Act ultimately serves the public interest by providing access to accounting education for younger generations. Over the last decade, the accounting profession reported an average of 125,700 job openings per year. This number is expected to increase 4% by 2029, highlighting the need for young talent in the accounting workforce. 

Ensuring that young Americans are aware of and prepared for good paying and available careers as the types of work change is an essential task for lawmakers. By coming together and working to advance solutions, these young lawmakers are working towards a better future for young Americans and protecting the public interest.   

The bill is active and has been referred to the House Education and Labor Committee. 

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics