U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, has introduced the Pathways to Paychecks Act. The bill aims to give states more control over how they connect employers with job seekers through the Wagner-Peyser Employment Service program.
In 2023, a policy change by the Biden administration removed states’ ability to use local government staff or contractors for Employment Services. Supporters of Cassidy’s bill argue that this made it harder for Americans to access job services and limited states' ability to respond to workforce needs.
Earlier in 2025, the Department of Labor proposed a regulation that would reverse the Biden-era changes and restore standards from President Trump’s first term. The Pathways to Paychecks Act seeks to make these changes permanent by codifying them into law.
“By eliminating states’ flexibility to administer employment services, Joe Biden and Julie Su took away opportunities from those looking for a better job. I'm glad to see Secretary Chavez-DeRemer restore this flexibility to better serve American workers,” said Dr. Cassidy. “This legislation codifies President Trump’s policy into law, making it easier for Americans to find employment so they can provide for their families.”
Brad Turner-Little, President & CEO of the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB), expressed support: "The National Association of Workforce Boards applauds Chairman Cassidy for recognizing that local decision-making is one of the key principles of the public workforce system. The organization is proud to once again endorse the Pathways to Paychecks Act to empower state and local workforce systems to use staffing models that align with the needs of their local communities. We look forward to working with Chairman Cassidy to codify this important flexibility for local communities.”
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Louisiana Workforce Commission have also voiced support for the legislation.
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