Gluesenkamp Perez, Ciscomani Secure Problem Solvers Caucus Endorsement of Bipartisan Bill to Address Healthcare Workforce Shortages

This week, the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus announced its endorsement of the Grants for Resources in Occupational and Workforce Training for Healthcare (GROWTH) Act, which seeks to increase grant funding opportunities for nursing programs at community colleges.

The bipartisan legislation was co-led for Problem Solvers Caucus endorsement by Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03), an original cosponsor of the bill, and Rep. Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06), who introduced the legislation.

The United States is facing a critical shortage of healthcare workers, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that more than 275,000 additional registered nurses will be needed in the following decade. This shortage has already led to reduced services at healthcare facilities nationwide and longer wait time for patients. Addressing this shortage requires increasing access to nursing education.

The GROWTH Act would expand eligibility to the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention–Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (NEPQR) grants under the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to include community colleges. The bill would also prioritize allocating up to 50 percent of total funds to community colleges or partnerships with community colleges. Currently, a large majority of these grants go to four-year institutions. 

“Rural communities like mine are facing a hollowing out of healthcare providers and critical workforce shortages. By supporting young people pursuing nursing careers in their own communities, we can expand access to care and provide opportunities for our next generation,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “Our bipartisan GROWTH Act will level the playing field for community colleges by opening up access to federal grants for nursing bridge programs. At a time when community colleges receive less federal support than four-year institutions, we need to fight for a square deal for all students, regardless of where they attend school. The endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus is an important step forward in that work.”

“The national nursing workforce shortage is affecting health facilities across the United States and could lead to a lower standard of care,” said Rep. Ciscomani. “My legislation, the GROWTH Act, addresses this shortage by expanding eligibility and priority for nursing programs at community, Tribal, and junior colleges. As a graduate of Pima Community College, I know firsthand how critical these institutions are to our students and workforce, and I am proud to work to ensure these institutions receive the same opportunities as a four-year university. I will continue to push this legislation forward and am grateful to have the endorsement of the Problem Solvers Caucus.”

“Nurses are the backbone of our healthcare system, delivering critical care when it’s needed most. To ensure our nation maintains a strong healthcare workforce, we must equip academic institutions with the resources to properly fund programs that educate and empower these healthcare heroes,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01). “With a nursing shortage looming, this legislation is vital to the health of our communities, and I’m proud to join my colleagues in supporting this crucial initiative.”

“We cannot allow emergency rooms and hospitals to be forced to turn away people seeking help or have patients waiting hours for care due to a shortage of healthcare professionals. The GROWTH Act will be critical in addressing the nursing shortage – which is a five-alarm fire for health care – while also supporting our community colleges,” said Problem Solvers Caucus Co-Chair Rep. Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05). “I’m glad the Problem Solvers Caucus came together to endorse this bipartisan legislation so that more resources can help those who will help care for our communities.”

The full text of the legislation can be found here.