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DENVER, CO – Legislation to boost Colorado’s workforce by helping graduating students access apprenticeship and increase funding for Colorado food banks today passed the House.
“Connecting graduating students with apprenticeships in high-demand trade industries addresses Colorado’s workforce needs while saving students money in the process,” said Rep. Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial. “Our legislation makes it easier for Coloradans to search, apply and participate in apprenticeship programs that will lead to good-paying careers. This bill is good for everyone, especially aspiring professionals and critical industries in need of skilled, qualified workers.”
“Apprenticeship programs can jumpstart a student’s career in something they’re passionate about,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This bill builds on our work to save graduating students money on training and on-the-job education while preparing for good paying careers in high-demand industries. From construction trades to firefighting, there are many industries searching for qualified workers and this bill helps fill workforce demand and boost Colorado’s economy.”
HB23-1212 passed the House by a vote of 59 to 4. This bill would direct the Office of the Future of Work, the Colorado Department Education and other state agencies to collaborate with schools and trade industries to create apprenticeship pathways for graduating students. HB23-1212 would also require the creation of an online job board for students, task the state with incorporating trades apprenticeships in career planning tools, and develop standards for individual career and academic plans for students registered in the program to better support job preparation.
Colorado’s trade and construction industries are still experiencing workforce shortages following economic disruptions from the pandemic. This bill would help create a talent pipeline for graduating students to enter good-paying careers after graduation and support Colorado’s workforce.
HB23-1158, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Rick Taggart, passed by a vote of 53-10 and would provide $6 million to help low income, older Coloradans access healthy food.
“Colorado’s food banks have done incredible work supporting our communities, and with this bill, we’ll provide additional resources to help more Coloradans access nutritious food,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “I’m proud we passed this bipartisan bill to help deliver meals to nearly 15,000 older Coloradans living below the poverty line.”
HB23-1158 supports older Coloradans by increasing access to nutritious food. This bill would provide grants to local food banks and food distribution programs so they can create and deliver food packages for low-income older adults below the poverty line. HB23-1158 would positively impact more than 14,000 low income older adults in Colorado.