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DENVER, CO – The House today passed a bipartisan bill, sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie, to better connect students and workers with the resources they need for good-paying jobs. HB26-1317 passed the House by a vote of 51-12.
“With the passage of this bill, we’re one step closer to creating a one-stop-shop for Colorado’s job seekers and learners,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our bipartisan bill would unify and reimagine career-focused pathways to meet Colorado’s ever-changing business, workforce and education needs. This effort will equip our students with the tools and resources they need to land good-paying jobs in growing fields. From the classroom to the workforce, Colorado is focused on fostering strong, affordable pathways and partnerships that make it easier for Coloradans to secure the career of their dreams.”
HB26-1317 is also sponsored by Representative Rick Taggart, R-Grand Junction. This bill is the first step toward creating a new, unified system and department for postsecondary education development. With a focus on a thoughtful, inclusive stakeholder process, this bill would establish a Transition Advisory Committee (TAC) of 27 members, including representatives from state agencies, institutions of higher education, apprenticeship programs, organized labor, local workforce centers, local government, non-profit associations and the business community. The TAC’s recommendations will serve as the structural outline for the new department.
This bill would also begin the process to unite several programs, including the Divisions of Employment and Training, Regional Talent Summit Initiatives, Plans and Opportunity Now Grants and Adult Education and Literacy Programs, among others, under one new agency. Last year, Governor Polis shared a new report outlining a robust roadmap to streamline and strengthen the way Coloradans access education, training and career support.
Research shows that in the next six years, nearly three in four job openings will require some type of post-secondary credential. However, there is an attainment gap between the need for credentials and the number of Coloradans earning these skills, which is a challenge for Colorado’s economy and our learners. HB26-1317 aims to lay the groundwork to streamline more than 20 divisions, offices and units across seven state entities that deliver more than 100 programs and initiatives to create a one-stop-shop for Coloradans access to postsecondary education, training and employment.