Figures, Booker, Hayes, Ezell to Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Cover College and Trade School Costs for Families of America’s First Responders, Teachers, and Social Workers

September 24, 2026 Press Release Bill endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association WASHINGTON — Today, Rep. Shomari C. Figures (AL-02), Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Rep. Jahana Hayes (CT-05), and Rep. Mike Ezell (MS-04) will introduce the bipartisan Public Service Educational Assistance Act, a bill to support the families of critical public service employees by covering the full cost of higher education and training opportunities for the dependents of educators, first responders, and social workers. “These public service employees perform among the most challenging and important functions in our communities, so that is why I am proud to introduce this bill that relieves the financial burden of them sending their children to college or job training programs ,” said Figures. “I’m committed to making sure that we recognize the sacrifices made by people who are the backbone of communities in Alabama and across America, and that we invest in real opportunities for their families." "Educators, first responders, and social workers show up for us in our classrooms, our emergencies, and our hardest moments, year after year," said Booker. "Their families carry that sacrifice too, often quietly, through long hours and stretched budgets. After 20 years of service, the least we can do is make sure their kids can go to college without drowning in debt." “Teachers, social workers, and first responders dedicate their lives in service to our communities, oftentimes unable to provide opportunities they fight so hard for others to enjoy, to their own children,” said Hayes. “I am pleased to introduce the Public Service Educational Assistance Act alongside Congressman Figures to honor the work of public servants and make it easier for their own families to pursue higher education." “As someone who spent more than four decades in law enforcement, I know the sacrifices that come with a career dedicated to serving your community—not just for the individual wearing the badge, but for their entire family,” said Ezell. “The Public Service Educational Assistance Act recognizes that commitment by helping provide educational opportunities for the children of those who have devoted decades of their lives to public service. I’m proud to help introduce this legislation to support the families of our law enforcement officers, first responders, educators, and others who dedicate their careers to serving their neighbors.” This legislation establishes a federal education assistance program covering the full cost of postsecondary education and training opportunities – including those enrolled in trade schools and vocational programs – for the dependents of educators, first responders, and social workers who have completed at least 20 years of qualifying service. This bill is endorsed by the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, the National Association of Social Workers, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and the Major Cities Chiefs Association. “The men and women of law enforcement make extraordinary sacrifices to keep our communities safe, and their families serve alongside them every step of the way,” said President Mathew Silverman of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association . “The ‘Public Service Educational Assistance Act’ recognizes that shared commitment by opening doors to education and opportunity for the children of career federal, state, and local law enforcement officers and other vital public servants. We appreciate the leadership of Reps. Figures, Ezell, and Hayes and Sen. Booker on this legislation and are proud to support this important investment in the families who stand behind those who protect and serve.” “The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) understands the financial demands that face social workers across workforce settings. NASW applauds Reps. Shomari Figures, Jahana Hayes, and Mike Ezell, and Senator Cory Booker, for introducing the Public Service Educational Assistance Act,” said Anthony Estreet, PhD, MBA, LCSW-C, Chief Executive Officer, NASW. “Establishing an educational assistance program for dependents of social workers, first responders, and educators is a great way to encourage public service and help public servants meet the needs of their children. Too often, social workers struggle to support their children financially for post-secondary education. This legislation would help social workers’ children achieve their dreams." Read a one-pager here . Read the bill here . Issues : Congress Economy