Improvements to Indiana’s workforce development system will soon be initiated after two new policies supported by State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) were signed into law today by Gov. Eric Holcomb.
House Enrolled Act 1002, which Huston authored, expands access to Workforce Ready Grants so more Hoosiers can take advantage of the program. These grants can be used to pay tuition costs for Hoosiers to earn a high-value certificate through programs at Ivy Tech Community College or Vincennes University.
The law also establishes a pathway for individuals enrolled as part-time, post-secondary students to participate in the Employment Aid Readiness Network Indiana Program, or EARN. This is a need-based program that provides access to internships and offers funds to employers hiring EARN students.
Huston
“Indiana’s strategy for meeting workforce needs calls for expanding efforts to ensure more working-age Hoosiers can participate in programs to grow their skills,” Huston said. “By supporting an employer-led system we are working directly with job creators to develop the talent needed to be competitive and successful.”
According to Huston, the state invests $1 billion annually in 30 different workforce development programs across nine separate agencies. To determine if funding is being directed into effective programs, the state will review all of Indiana’s workforce-related programs using return-on-investment metrics enacted in 2017.
Senate Enrolled Act 50, sponsored by Huston, establishes the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet to replace the Workforce Innovation Council. This 21-member board will be comprised of representatives of state workforce agencies as well as business and community leaders from across Indiana. This cabinet will be tasked with creating a statewide Career Navigation and Coaching Program to help connect students with education and career options available to them.
“With these new laws, the groundwork has been established and we will continue to invest in workforce and move Indiana’s economy forward,” Huston said.
State Rep. Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents House District 37, which includes portions of Hamilton County.