The Idaho Senate has given Governor Brad Little a win in one of his major legislative priorities, workforce training.
The governor wants to expand the Idaho Launch program to provide money for high school graduates who want training in high-demand careers. The governor asked legislators for $100 million. That would cover the costs of grants of up to $8,500 to cover expenses for students to pursue high-demand careers such as nursing and cybersecurity.
The bill’s sponsor, Republican Dave Lent, says business leaders tell him they strongly back the program. He referred in Wednesday’s floor debate to one recent conversation with a health care leader.
“This person represents 51 hospitals in our state and it was interesting. He said, ‘Let me just tell you the three most important things we’re hearing from our hospitals, in order. Number one, workforce. Number two, workforce. Number three, workforce,” he said.
Lent said about 3,700 people have completed the program. He frames it, in part, as an opportunity to move young people who don’t have the advantages of students in higher income families into stable careers.
“We have able-bodied workers who are underemployed,” he said. “This bill focuses on that particular piece of our population that we’re talking about. It literally lifts those who are at the poverty line out of poverty.”
Some legislators say they appreciate the intent, but say this remedy is the wrong one.
“I think what many of us disagree on is that public funds are appropriate for providing training for private industries,” said Sen. Ben Toews (R-Coeur d’Alene).
Sen. Dan Foreman (R-Moscow) says Idaho Launch unfairly benefits certain employment sectors. He says it’s an expansion of government, but not a core function of it.
“The workforce resides mostly in the private sector, so I think the private sector should develop the jobs within its own sector. There’s no constitutional requirement for the government to create jobs or fill jobs. And the bill is using tax dollars, public money to buy commercially-available product for select individuals,” he said.
After nearly two hours of debate, the Senate approved the bill, 20-15. It had already squeaked by in the House by two votes (36-34). It now goes to the governor’s desk.
Senators didn’t give Little everything he wanted.
Right after passing the Idaho Launch bill, the Senate approved a bill that immediately amended it. It would end Idaho Launch after six years and give the legislature more oversight. It would also slightly reduce student awards (from $8,500 to $8,000) and limit the training programs that would qualify to those offered by community colleges and recognized workforce training agencies.
The Senate approved that bill 21-14. It now moves to House, where there may be a race to get it approved. The legislature is scheduled to adjourn on Friday.
