STATEHOUSE (March 8, 2023) – The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved State Rep. Michelle Davis' (R-Whiteland) bill recently that would increase Hoosiers' access to adult education and workforce training opportunities.
According to Davis, due to funding constraints, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development has 56 employers on a waitlist for adult education and training services this year, and their employees are unable to access programs. There are also over 1,000 individuals on the waitlist for integrated education and training, and over 6,700 for all other adult education classes.
"It's critical that Hoosiers have access to education and training that opens doors to better-paying, high-demand jobs," Davis said. "This legislation will provide additional funding to access these opportunities and would help those who may struggle to earn a diploma."
House Bill 1609 would align state and federal funding to provide more educational opportunities for Hoosiers to pursue adult learning. Davis said these changes would reduce the current waitlist by 5,000 over two years.
Davis said her legislation would also allow the Indiana Department of Workforce Development to grant a competency-based high school diploma or equivalency diploma that is based on the skills a student has mastered rather than just a single exam like the High School Equivalency. It would also allow individuals to receive a diploma for obtaining an industry recognized certificate. Assessments would be developed by the Governor's Workforce Cabinet.
House Bill 1609 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration. For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Michelle Davis (R-Whiteland) represents House District 58,
which includes a portion of Johnson County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo
