Bill Overview
Title: Older Workers’ Bureau Act
Description: This bill establishes an Older Workers' Bureau in the Department of Labor. The bureau must promote employment opportunities and inclusive workplaces for older workers through research, policy development, outreach, and grant programs.
Sponsors: Rep. Beyer, Donald S., Jr. [D-VA-8]
Target Audience
Population: Older adults aged 55 and over in the workforce
Estimated Size: 36000000
- Older adults are defined by the U.S. Department of Labor typically as those aged 55 and older.
- In 2021, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported approximately 36 million workers aged 55 and older in the civilian labor force.
- Globally, organizations have recognized the importance of a diverse workforce including older individuals, hence promoting this demographic.
- The act focuses on employment opportunities, inclusive workplaces, research, outreach, and grant programs specifically for older adults.
Reasoning
- Older workers are a diverse group, with varying employment statuses, occupations, and locations.
- The budget restrictions mean that impact might initially be more pronounced in areas with concentrated older worker populations or where gaps in services for them exist.
- Some workers may not feel any change if they are already in inclusive workplaces, while others might experience significant benefits from new opportunities and programs.
- The policy may have indirect effects on family members and communities by improving the quality of life for older workers.
- There will be geographical variations in the impact due to differing local employment dynamics and industry focuses.
- The time horizon considerations show more marked effects in the short term for those currently unemployed or facing discrimination.
- Sustainability and continuity of the funding and programs will dictate long-term outcomes.
Simulated Interviews
Retail Manager (Orlando, FL)
Age: 58 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've noticed a lack of opportunities for people my age in other companies.
- I hope this policy helps change the mindset around older workers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Accountant (New York, NY)
Age: 64 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Retirement feels like an enforced decision. Policies like this might enable continued contributions on my terms.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Software Engineer (Austin, TX)
Age: 56 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The tech industry needs to value experience more.
- I might be overlooked for positions due to my age.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Unemployed Farm Worker (Rural Ohio)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this can help people like me get back to work.
- Programs need to reach rural communities.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Retired (Chicago, IL)
Age: 70 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope the policy provides opportunities for older folks to contribute in new ways, even in retirement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Automotive Engineer (Detroit, MI)
Age: 61 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Securing extended health benefits is crucial for my retirement plans.
- I am hopeful about what this policy could support.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Freelance Graphic Designer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 59 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I feel like the gig economy isn't stable enough for older workers.
- Any support or grants could really help.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Teacher (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 66 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I want to keep teaching but at a pace that suits me.
- There should be incentives for older workers to mentor younger ones.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Chef (Portland, OR)
Age: 62 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Inclusivity is key in hospitality, but it's not just about age. We'd benefit from overall workplace improvements.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Biomedical Technician (Boston, MA)
Age: 57 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Continued education programs for older workers are essential.
- I hope the policy aids in combating ageism.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $75000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $90000000)
Year 2: $77000000 (Low: $61000000, High: $92000000)
Year 3: $79000000 (Low: $62000000, High: $95000000)
Year 5: $85000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $100000000)
Year 10: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $130000000)
Year 100: $400000000 (Low: $320000000, High: $500000000)
Key Considerations
- The policy's effectiveness in actually generating new employment opportunities will greatly influence cost-effectiveness and economic impact.
- Potential resistance or adoption challenges within existing labor market systems may affect implementation scope and success.
- There is a growing demographic of older workers, highlighting the relevance and potential impact of such a bureau.
- The cost of grants and outreach programs can vary significantly based on program size and scope of implementation.