This bill matters because the number of older workers in the workforce is growing significantly, and many face unique challenges such as age discrimination, financial insecurity, and difficulty accessing job training or workplace flexibility. If this bill becomes law, it would create a dedicated federal entity to research these issues, develop targeted policies, and provide resources to address them.
Without this bill, efforts to support older workers would remain more fragmented across various government programs without a centralized focus. Establishing this bureau could lead to more effective strategies for keeping older Americans productively employed, improving their economic well-being, and ensuring their retirement security, which has broad implications for families and the economy as a whole.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Establishes an Older Workers' Bureau within the Department of Labor to oversee issues related to the employment of older workers.
This creates a dedicated federal office with the sole purpose of focusing on the needs and challenges of workers aged 55 and older.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the appointment of a Director for the Bureau within one year of the bill becoming law and specifies staffing requirements.
Ensures the bureau has dedicated leadership and personnel to carry out its functions effectively.
PROVISION 03
Requires the Bureau to conduct research on various topics, including age discrimination, wages, job security, retirement readiness, access to benefits, and workplace flexibility for older workers.
This provision aims to provide data-driven insights to inform policy development and address key challenges faced by older workers.
PROVISION 04
Directs the Bureau to develop policies, conduct outreach and education, administer grant programs, and coordinate federal research related to older workers.
These functions ensure the research translates into practical programs, guidance, and support for older workers and the organizations that serve them.
This bill matters because the number of older workers in the workforce is growing significantly, and many face unique challenges such as age discrimination, financial insecurity, and difficulty accessing job training or workplace flexibility. If this bill becomes law, it would create a dedicated federal entity to research these issues, develop targeted policies, and provide resources to address them.
Without this bill, efforts to support older workers would remain more fragmented across various government programs without a centralized focus. Establishing this bureau could lead to more effective strategies for keeping older Americans productively employed, improving their economic well-being, and ensuring their retirement security, which has broad implications for families and the economy as a whole.
KEY PROVISIONS
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high
Establishes an Older Workers' Bureau within the Department of Labor to oversee issues related to the employment of older workers.
This creates a dedicated federal office with the sole purpose of focusing on the needs and challenges of workers aged 55 and older.
med
Mandates the appointment of a Director for the Bureau within one year of the bill becoming law and specifies staffing requirements.
Ensures the bureau has dedicated leadership and personnel to carry out its functions effectively.
high
Requires the Bureau to conduct research on various topics, including age discrimination, wages, job security, retirement readiness, access to benefits, and workplace flexibility for older workers.
This provision aims to provide data-driven insights to inform policy development and address key challenges faced by older workers.
high
Directs the Bureau to develop policies, conduct outreach and education, administer grant programs, and coordinate federal research related to older workers.
These functions ensure the research translates into practical programs, guidance, and support for older workers and the organizations that serve them.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act
President must appoint a Director for the Older Workers' Bureau
GLOSSARY
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Older Worker
An individual who is 55 years of age or older and is either employed, seeking employment, or wants employment and has looked for it within the past year.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
The principal federal agency responsible for measuring labor market activity, working conditions, and price changes in the economy.
Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM)
An additional measure of poverty that accounts for government programs designed to assist low-income families and individuals, as well as certain necessary expenses not accounted for in the official poverty measure.
Federal poverty guidelines
Income thresholds used to determine eligibility for certain federal programs and benefits.
Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA)
A federal law that allows eligible employees to take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for specific family and medical reasons.
Gig workers
Independent contractors, online platform workers, temporary workers, and other casual laborers who enter into formal or informal agreements with clients to provide services on a contingent basis.
Age discrimination
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
FEB 12
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
FEB 12
Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
Unfair treatment of a job applicant or employee because of their age, typically affecting individuals aged 40 and older.
Retirement security
The ability of individuals to maintain a desired standard of living during their retirement years, often related to their financial savings and benefits.
