Senate Approves Legislation to Help Coloradans Land Jobs, Address Workforce Shortages

HB22-1230 increases funding for Employment Support and Job Retention Program and extends the program indefinitely

DENVER, CO - The Senate today cleared a bill to help Coloradans find and retain good-paying jobs and address the state’s workforce shortage.

HB22-1230, sponsored by Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, provides an additional $250,000 a year to support the Employment Support and Job Retention Program, which helps unemployed or underemployed Coloradans land and retain good-paying jobs. The bill also extends the program indefinitely.

“Too many Coloradans are still fighting to recover from the pandemic and return to work,” Fields said. “This bill will prepare and connect more of our neighbors to enter or return to the workforce, helping them stay on their feet and filling the workforce shortages in our economy.”

The bill also prioritizes community engagement to rural and underserved communities through outreach to nontraditional service organizations including community organizations, faith-based organizations, places of worship and libraries that offer employment, training and educational services.

HB22-1230 now returns to the House for concurrence on amendments. Track the bill’s progress HERE.