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This bill creates a federal framework to support the development and expansion of worker-owned cooperative businesses, where employees own and control the company. The legislation directs major federal agencies including the Small Business Administration, Treasury Department, Labor Department, and others to implement programs and remove regulatory barriers that prevent cooperatives from forming and growing. Within 180 days of enactment, the bill establishes a United States Council on Worker Cooperatives chaired by the Secretary of Labor to coordinate these efforts across government agencies, develop a national strategy, and identify obstacles to cooperative development. The Small Business Administration must also create educational materials in multiple languages and conduct outreach to communities about cooperative businesses. The bill extends and increases funding for an existing small business lending program for cooperatives from $20 million to $60 million through 2034, and the newly created Council will sunset after ten years while submitting annual progress reports to Congress.

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