Minnesota State Wire

Brad Finstad, Representative of Minnesota, said that expanding 529 savings plans to include training and credentialing programs will better prepare students for current workforce needs. The statement was made on X.

"By opening 529 savings plans to training & credentialing programs, we are equipping students to meet the demands of today's workforce," said Bradley Howard Finstad, U.S. Representative of Minnesota's 1st Congressional District (R). "Proud to have championed this issue in Congress. Glad to see this win for MN01 students & families."

The One Big Beautiful Bill expands 529 savings plans to cover vocational and credentialing programs, allowing tax-free withdrawals for trades such as welding, aviation mechanics, and food safety, as well as licensing exams and preparation materials. According to The Week, this marks a significant shift toward supporting career and technical education.

Minnesota had about 98,900 529 plan accounts in 2024 with an average balance of $20,446. Nationwide, there were around 17 million accounts totaling $500 billion. EducationData.org reports that these figures highlight strong participation in education savings programs.

Enrollment in U.S. vocational-focused programs has surged, with career and trade-oriented public two-year institutions seeing a nearly 20% increase since spring 2020. According to the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, undergraduate certificate programs are now 20% above 2020 levels.

Finstad, born May 30, 1976, has represented Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District since 2022 after serving in the state legislature and as USDA Rural Development director. Wikipedia notes that the fourth-generation farmer focuses on agriculture, rural growth, and veterans’ issues.