The Indiana House of Representatives on Thursday approved State Rep. Chuck Goodrich’s (R-Noblesville) bill that would break down barriers to career opportunities for students from low-income families.
Goodrich’s proposed legislation would exempt students’ income earned during a paid internship, apprenticeship and work-based programs from their families’ eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Goodrich said some students turn down these experiences because they could put their family in jeopardy of losing certain benefits.
“It has become increasingly more difficult to get a job without prior experience in the field,” Goodrich said. “Internships and work-based learning programs are valuable and designed to help students develop their skills to secure a full-time job. Every student should be able to take advantage of opportunities to learn without worrying about their family’s financial situation.”
House Speaker-elect Todd Huston (R-Fishers), who co-authored the bill, said the legislation is timely as the state needs to grow and strengthen its workforce to meet employer demands.
“Indiana has made a substantial effort in making our state a place where job creators want to settle and expand,” Huston said. “With an unemployment rate sitting below the national average, we have more jobs available than qualified candidates to fill them. This legislation will help young Hoosiers connect to opportunities that will help them build on their skills and open doors to possible careers.”
House Bill 1009 now moves to the Senate for further discussion. For more information, visit iga.in.gov.