House Economic Development Committee considers Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant
On Thursday, Feb. 10, the House Economic Development Committee considered HB 2203, which would expand the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant. The bill is sponsored by Rep. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit) and is a priority of the Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development and Governor Parson.
Similar to SB 672, the Senate Fast Track legislation sponsored by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Springfield), HB 2203 would remove the sunset placed on the program and allow eligible individuals who are participating in a U.S. Department of Labor-approved apprenticeship to be reimbursed for education-related costs such as tools, books, and uniforms.
“These programs will help fill needs in high-need, high demand areas,” said Rep. Fitzwater. “This includes in areas like health care, welding, transportation, and others.”
Committee members including Rep. Trish Gunby (D-Ballwin) shared considerable interest in Fast Track and what organizations could be covered by the program, including groups like the UA Local Union 562 – Plumbers & Pipefitters.
Rep. Fitzwater plans to offer a House Committee Substitute which would include similar language added to SB 672 and would address questions on broadening the reach of Fast Track. This amendment would expand eligibility to qualifying students participating in a training program approved under the Office of Workforce Development’s Eligible Training Provider System. This system provides customer-focused, employment training resources for adults and a listing of eligible postsecondary occupational training providers.
Other discussions were on the program’s sunset and how Fast Track can support businesses in this time of high workforce demand.
In support, Rep. Scott Cupps (R-Shell Knob) provided what he has seen from schools that have participated in the program like Ozarks Technical Community College and Rep. Mitch Boggs (R-LaRussell) agreed how Fast Track can support businesses that serve “as a trainer.”
Several organizations testified in favor of the bill, including:
- Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development
- Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Kansas City Chamber of Commerce
- Empowered Women
- Missouri Community College Association
The Missouri Ambulance Association spoke for informational purposes and indicated the dire need for the Fast Track amendment which would address the demand for EMTs and paramedics.
None spoke in opposition of the program.
MDHEWD appears before the House Budget Committee; Governor’s ARPA budget request presented
On Wednesday, Feb. 9, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development (MDHEWD) Commissioner Zora Mulligan and Deputy Commissioner Leroy Wade presented the Governor’s FY 23 HB 3 budget requests for the department and higher education institutions before the House Budget Committee. The meeting was chaired by House Subcommittee on Appropriations—Education Chairman Rusty Black (R- Chillicothe) and Chairman Cody Smith (R-Carthage).
“This budget represents very important investments in department activities and higher education institutions,” shared Commissioner Mulligan.
Deputy Commissioner Wade covered details about the budget requests and the specific programs for higher education and workforce development. His presentation highlighted the department’s administrative and coordinating functions, key initiative efforts like the MoExcels Workforce Incentive Grant, investments in higher education institutions, and uses of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funds provided through the Office of Workforce Development (OWD).
The balance of the committee discussion was on the grants and scholarship programs and maintenance and core appropriation questions for higher education institutions. On the state’s financial aid programs, members including Rep. Kevin Windham (D-Hillsdale) asked various demographic, income, and structure questions. During this portion of the budget presentation, legislators mentioned the need to review the results of the state’s student aid programs and consider if they are meeting their intended purpose and assisting students equitably. Deputy Commissioner Wade also shared the need for additional staff to assist with the complexity of the financial aid programs. The Governor has recommended 2 FTE in his budget request to support the department.
On maintenance and repair, legislators noted the need for increased focus on addressing this issue across institutions. “There is approximately $2 billion in maintenance and repair needs across all our public higher education institutions,” shared Commissioner Mulligan.
In addition, core appropriations across institutions, specifically at Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University was discussed at length and with the expressed desire for increased funding for the state’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
The committee also heard testimony from Budget Director Dan Haug on the Governor’s American Rescue Plan Act proposal. Out of the $2.8 billion in federal dollars awarded to Missouri, $468.9 million is recommended for higher education capital improvement projects. The Governor’s recommendation can be found here. The committee was unable to complete consideration of the ARPA budget recommendations on Wednesday evening. During the hearing, only the MoExcels for Private Institutions, Modernize Missouri Job Centers, and Workforce Outreach proposals were covered under higher education and workforce development. No inquiries were made by legislators. The House Budget Committee will look to consider the remaining recommendations at a later date.
House Higher Education Committee votes “do-pass” on A+ Scholarship legislation
On Monday, Feb. 7, the House Higher Education Committee voted “do-pass” on Chairwoman Brenda Shields’ (R-St. Joseph) House Committee Substitution (HCS) for HB 1723. The legislation would permit students who complete the requirements to receive the A+ Scholarship, but do not receive awards because they receive other student aid, to use the funds they would have received for A+ to pursue a bachelor’s degree. As described in the Jan. 28 legislative update, the A+ Scholarship is a “last dollar” award which means all other financial aid must be spent before A+ is applied to a student’s qualifying postsecondary education.
The HCS for HB 1723 amends the original bill language in the following ways:
- Allows private higher education institutions to seek reimbursement for the cost of tuition, books, and fees of any participating student
- Reduces the amount a student is eligible to receive and put towards their bachelor's degree from up to $10,000 to $5,000
- Includes a provision which subtracts any A+ dollars used during a student’s associate degree pursuits from the eligible $5,000 and applies the balance toward their bachelor's degree costs
The goal of this bill is “to help our students and those in need” shared Rep. Shields. Rep. Kevin Windham (D-Hillsdale) was the lone “no” vote and stated while he, “appreciated [Rep. Shields’] intent,” he felt the bill continues to move the “goal posts” on students who were promised A+ dollars but now has to undergo an additional step to receive the funds.
The final vote was 7 yay, 1 no, and 1 present.
House Workforce Development Committee unanimously
approves HB 2202
On Monday, Feb. 7, the House Workforce Development Committee, chaired by Rep. Mike Henderson (R-Bonne Terre), unanimously approved Rep. Travis Fitzwater’s HB 2202, which modifies provisions related to computer science courses offered in elementary and secondary schools. Details on the legislation can be found in the Feb. 4 legislative report.
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