On October 26th, Representatives Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) introduced new bipartisan legislation to support community college nursing programs. The Grants for Resources in Occupational Workforce Training for Healthcare (GROWTH) Act expands eligibility to the Nurse Education, Practice, Quality, and Retention (NEPQR)—Pathway to Registered Nurse Program (PRNP) 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 4-year institutions.
Representative Cherfilus-McCormick said in her statement introducing the bill:
“The national nursing shortage has hit health facilities hard and compromised access to quality care. That is precisely why we must make it easier for community college students to pursue a successful career in nursing, without worrying about financial hurdles. I am proud to introduce the bipartisan GROWTH Act, which will bolster our healthcare system and address this critical workforce shortage.”
“As a proud graduate of Pima Community College, I know how crucial these institutions are to students, the workforce, and our communities,” said Representative Ciscomani. “These students should have the same opportunities and funding as their counterparts at a 4-year university. This bill strengthens our nursing workforce while improving the programs offered by our community colleges.”
Representatives Cherfilus-McCormick and Ciscomani are joined on the bill by Representatives John James (R-MI-10), David Trone (D-MD-06), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA-03).
