ICYMI: Bill to Support Colorado's Workforce, Higher Education Students Passes Committee

Bipartisan legislation includes the final round of funding for the Opportunity Now grant program

DENVER, CO – The Senate Finance Committee yesterday passed Senator Jeff Bridges’, D-Arapahoe County, bipartisan bill to support workforce development.

HB24-1365, cosponsored by Senator Perry Will, R-New Castle, would help communities address workforce shortages and create connections for Coloradans seeking high-paying, skilled careers. This bill supports the final of several rounds of the successful Opportunity Now Colorado grant program which connects more Coloradans with in-demand, high-wage careers, specifically in the construction, infrastructure and building trades.

“Opportunity is a core Colorado value, and every Coloradan should have the opportunity to earn a good life," said Bridges. "That opportunity often starts with a good education, one that's aligned with good-paying jobs in a person's community. Making sure that what schools teach matches what businesses need is exactly what the Opportunity Now grant does, leading to better wages for workers, a well-trained workforce for our employers, and a stronger Colorado economy for everyone."

Additionally, this bill would create the Regional Talent Summit Grant Program to help Coloradans get connected to these in-demand careers in their communities. HB24-1365 leverages federal investments in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the CHIPS and Science Act to establish a workforce shortage tax credit that helps with facility and equipment improvements needed to train workers in new emerging fields. 

The Opportunity Now Grant Program has awarded $27 million to 46 grantees representing 145 businesses and 78 education partners in 38 different industries.

It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.