STATEHOUSE (May 8, 2023) – State Rep. Michelle Davis' (R-Whiteland) bill to increase Hoosiers' access to adult education and workforce training opportunities is now law.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development offers programs teaching math, reading and writing to prepare Hoosiers to earn a high school equivalency diploma, go to college or participate in an industry-recognized training certification program. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, there are over 1,000 individuals waiting for integrated education and training, and over 6,700 for all other adult education classes.
DWD also provides services to help businesses attract and retain talent, develop apprenticeships and provide work-based learning, but they currently have over 50 employers on a waitlist to begin a partnership with a local adult education program.
"If Indiana wants to be a competitor in the 21st century economy, we need to continue providing quality adult education and workforce training," Davis said. "This new law will help Hoosiers access job opportunities, address skills gaps and meet our employers' needs."
Currently, Indiana does not allow state adult education dollars to be used for workforce training. Davis said this new law will allow 25% of the state's adult education funding to go toward integrated educational training, and reimburse and provide grants for eligible employers. This legislation will also align state and federal funding to provide more educational opportunities for Hoosiers to pursue adult learning. Davis said these changes could reduce the current waitlist by 5,000 over two years.
The state utilizes the High School Equivalency exam, which tests five subject areas including math, reading, writing, science and social studies. Under this new law, DWD can also grant competency-based diplomas based on assessments developed by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet. Davis said this will allow more Hoosiers to display their capabilities based on the skills they have mastered rather than just from a single exam.
House Enrolled Act 1609 will go into effect on July 1. To follow other legislation recently considered for new laws by the governor, visit in.gov/gov/newsroom/2023-bill-watch/.
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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.
