MDHEWD Testifies Before House Budget Committee
On Feb. 3, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) Commissioner Zora Mulligan and Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade appeared before the House Budget Committee to present the FY21 budget request and governor’s recommendations. Commissioner Mulligan opened the hearing with an update on the department’s reorganization, successes, and 2020 initiatives. Many of the committee’s questions centered on funding for student financial aid programs, expansion of workforce assessments, and funding for public higher education institutions. The department is scheduled to appear before the Senate Appropriations Committee on Feb. 25.
House Committee Hears Expanded Workforce Act Bill
The House Workforce Development Committee convened on Feb. 3 to hear testimony on Rep. Derek Grier’s (R-St. Louis) Expanded Workforce Act legislation. HB 1688 would require licensing authorities to grant licenses to applicants who: (1) successfully complete the eighth grade, (2) complete an apprenticeship, and (3) pass an examination, if applicable. The committee plans to vote on the legislation next week.
House General Laws Committee—Rep. Knight and Rep. Razer on Athlete Agents
The House General Laws Committee convened on Feb. 5 to hear testimony on Rep. Greg Razer (D-Kansas City) and Rep. Jeff Knight’s (R-Laclede) HB 1532, the Uniform Athlete Agents Act. The legislation modifies the statutory definition of an athlete agent.
During public testimony, Rep. Knight told the committee that the same legislation has been enacted in 14 states and introduced in seven others. Libby Snyder from the Uniform Law Commission spoke in favor of the legislation. She testified that the NCAA supports the agent registration process because it creates a true “reciprocal process.” Matt Jacobs, Associate Athletic Director at the University of Missouri, also spoke in favor. During discussion, several representatives expressed support for the legislation. No one spoke in opposition.
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