Padilla Introduces Legislation to Bolster the Creative Workforce

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) Jan. 15 introduced the Creative Workforce Investment Act to empower the creative workforce through the creation of a workforce grant program to expand access to the arts in communities nationwide. Representatives Ted Lieu (D-Calif.-36), Jay Obernolte (R-Calif.-23), and Teresa Leger Fernández (D-N.M.-03) are leading companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

California’s creative economy directly contributes over $500 billion to the state’s economy and accounts for 1.8 million jobs, according to a 2023 Otis College report.

“Artists and creators are vital to the soul of our state and nation. California’s creative economy is a critical piece of our state’s success, generating millions of jobs and billions in economic activity,” said Senator Padilla. “This legislation would support local creators and their diverse, thought-provoking art — especially as our creative workforce continues to recover from a pandemic that disproportionately affected their livelihoods.”

The Creative Workforce Investment Act would: 

• Establish a grant program to support arts and creative workforce initiatives that create publicly accessible art while employing individuals in the local community;
• Specify a range of programs eligible for funding, including concerts, storytelling initiatives, murals, films, theatrical productions, and support for arts in educational and community spaces, among others;
• Mandate annual reporting to Congress on grant outcomes, employment duration, earnings and employment status of individuals involved in the programs; and
• Authorize $300 million in appropriations for fiscal years 2024 through 2026 to support the program.