WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)-- Lawmakers wish to boost the economy and boost opportunities for employees by making trade school more budget-friendly. A bipartisan expense would broaden using the federal Pell Grants to consist of short-term job training programs.

Now, technical workers like welders, truckers, and nursing assistants are in high demand, but not sufficient individuals are offered to fill the open positions.

Dr. Sharon Morrissey, Interim Chancellor of the Virginia Community College System, says some students are driven away from job training programs since of the price tag.

" There are a lot of who do not bother to even knock on our door because they look at the expense and state I can't pay for that," Morrissey said.

Lawmakers want to make them more accessible. Republican Senator Mike Braun and Democrat Senator Tim Kaine presented a bill to make certain trade programs qualified for Pell Grant dollars.

" If you 'd use a bit of the Pell money to go to where the high demand high incomes are, everybody would be much better off," Braun stated.

" It's difficult to hire individuals. Among the methods we're going to resolve this issue is by gearing up a growing number of individuals to fill these tasks," Kaine said.

The senators insist trainees in trade programs should have the same help that those getting college degrees get.

" I see it as assisting individuals pursue the career path they desire, but it's also type of a basic matter of fairness," Kaine said.

And Braun also states the bill acknowledges that college is not the ideal path for everyone. He says some people are actually more effective after going through trade programs.

" Look what they'll wind up with, none of the college financial obligation and if they're directed effectively to these high-demand high-wage jobs, they're going to be making as much as if not majority of the four-year degrees would pay anyway," Braun stated.

Supporters state it's a win-win for trainees and the economy.

" What we're discussing it a very big modification in how we administer federal financial assistance, but it's time," Morrissey said.

This legislation has been presented in Congress prior to, but hasn't passed. Senator Tim Kaine believes it has a possibility to make clear the goal this time.

" A similar expense that's bipartisan has been presented on the home side and I believe this is one whose time has come," Kaine stated.

Advocates insist it will make an effect if lawmakers do pass the expense.

" I think it will change lives," Morrissey said.

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