Governor Polis Signing Bills to Help Fill High-Demand Jobs, Increase Training, Education and Save Coloradans Money
ALAMOSA - Today, Governor Polis signed legislation to fill high-demand jobs, save Coloradans money on training & education, and strengthen Colorado’s robust workforce in Centennial, Colorado Springs, Salida, and Alamosa.
“Colorado’s strong workforce supports our economy, and it was great to be in Alamosa, Centennial, Colorado Springs, and Salida today as we continue to take bold action to improve opportunities for Coloradans and fill in-demand jobs. Zero-cost credentials and flexible scholarships for graduating seniors will save people money, and we are stepping up to fill in-demand jobs and connect hardworking Coloradans to advanced training and education,” said Gov. Polis.
This morning at the Cherry Creek Innovation Campus in Centennial, Governor Polis signed HB23-1212 Promotion Of Apprenticeships sponsored by Representatives Eliza Hamrick and Sheila Lieder, Senators Chris Kolker and Jessie Danielson to expand apprenticeship opportunities for high school students. Governor Polis also signed HB23-1074 Study Workforce Transitions To Other Industries sponsored by Representatives Ruby Dickson and Judy Amabile, Senator Janice Marchman, making sure that Coloradans can grow their careers in in-demand fields as industries change and evolve.
“The Cherry Creek Innovation Campus is leading the way when it comes to helping every student find their pathway of purpose and supporting the workforce of the future. Our apprenticeship program connects students with world-class industry partners and helps them learn advanced skills and make career connections here locally and across the globe. We’re pleased to welcome Governor Polis to this one-of-a-kind facility and look forward to continuing to advance the future of K-12 education in Colorado,” said Cherry Creek School District superintendent Christopher Smith.
In Colorado Springs, Governor Polis signed into law SB23-065 Career Development Success Program sponsored by Senators Paul Lundeen and Jeff Bridges, and Representatives Shannon Bird and Don Wilson to boost workforce preparedness and help more students get the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
At Colorado Mountain College in Salida, Governor Polis will sign the bipartisan HB23-1246 Support In-demand Career Workforce sponsored by Speaker Julie McCluskie and Representative Rose Pugliese, Senators Janet Buckner and Perry Will to provide zero-cost credentials for aspiring professionals in in-demand fields, including nursing, early childhood and K-12 education, fire and forestry, law enforcement, and construction trades. This bold and innovative initiative will save people money on training and education and fill in-demand jobs.
In Alamosa at Adams State University, Governor Polis will sign the bipartisan SB23-205 Universal High School Scholarship Program sponsored by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Don Wilson, Senators Jeff Bridges and Paul Lundeen creating more opportunities for Colorado’s high school graduates to pursue education and training after high school with $1,500 scholarships for graduates to use for an apprenticeship, on-the-job training, trade school, community college, college, or university.
Governor Polis will also sign legislation into law in Alamosa to cut red tape and support Colorado’s brave veterans, including HB23-1261 No Requirement For Selective Service Higher Education sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Matthew Martinez, Senators Janet Buckner and Byron Pelton and HB23-1088 Veterans Mental Health Session Reimbursement Program sponsored by Representative Martinez and Senator Hinrichsen.