Weekly Column for March 14, 2019
Our state and our country are thriving. Currently, we have more job openings than people who can fill those positions. Employers are struggling to find trained individuals to fill these new jobs. This situation is a result of the pro-business environment we have created in Missouri. While our state is experiencing record lows in unemployment, we have neglected to invest in workforce development. During this year’s legislative session, we plan on addressing this critical issue.
Many of these open positions require technical training beyond high school. Our state should be placing a greater emphasis on encouraging our young people to attend two-year technical schools. These institutions train students for the good-paying, family-supporting jobs of the 21st century. Fortunately, jobs like these are available right here in Missouri.
To do this, the General Assembly is considering a proposal, supported by the governor, called “Fast Track.” This program would allow Missourians to receive advanced training in high-demand areas from our community colleges, technical schools and our state’s public colleges and universities. By doing this, more Missourians would be given the opportunity to establish a career in today’s technology-driven economy.
The Missouri House of Representatives’ version of “Fast Track,” House Bill 225, was passed out of the House by a vote of 101-49. It was reported to the Senate and First-Read last week. I would anticipate further action on this legislation in the coming weeks. The Senate version of the proposal is Senate Bill 16. It was passed out of the Education Committee and currently sits on the Senate’s Informal Calendar, where it is available for debate by the Senate.
Another program we have been working on is Missouri One Start. This is a modification of the Missouri Works Training Program. Under the revised program, funding for job training opportunities would be modified to make to it easier for businesses to apply for and use the program, and it replaces the 15 percent administrative fee with a reasonable amount determined by the Department of Economic Development. Also, the revised program places a greater emphasis on workforce needs and job creation projects.
The Missouri House version of the Missouri One Start proposal, House Bill 469, was passed out of the House by a vote of 151-5. It was also reported and First-Read in the Senate last week. The Senate version is Senate Bill 184. It passed out of the Economic Development Committee and is also on the Senate’s Informal Calendar.
As session continues, workforce development will continue to be one of my top legislative priorities. I will be sure to keep you up to date on the status of these bills in the coming weeks.
Please do not hesitate to contact my office at (573) 751-3678 or by email at dave.schatz@senate.mo.gov if you have any questions.