Davis
The Indiana House of Representatives unanimously approved a local lawmaker’s bill that would increase Hoosiers’ access to adult education and workforce training opportunities.
State Rep. Michelle Davis, R-Whiteland, said in a statement House Bill 1609 would align state and federal funding to provide more educational opportunities for Hoosiers to pursue adult learning.
This change would reduce the current Indiana Department of Workforce Development, or IDWD, waitlist for adult education and training services by 5,000 over two years. Due to funding constraints, the IDWD currently has 56 employers on a waitlist for adult education and training services this year, and their employees are unable to access programs. There are also over 1,000 individuals on the waitlist for integrated education and training, and over 6,700 for all other adult education classes, Davis said.
The legislation would also allow the IDWD to grant a competency-based high school diploma or equivalency diploma that is based on the skills a student has mastered rather than just a single exam like the High School Equivalency. It would also allow individuals to receive a diploma for obtaining an industry-recognized certificate. Assessments would be developed by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, Davis said.
“It’s critical that Hoosiers have access to education and training that opens doors to better-paying, high-demand jobs,” Davis said. “This legislation will provide additional funding to access these opportunities and would help those who may struggle to earn a diploma.”
HB1609 now heads to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
For more information, or to watch session and committees live, visit iga.in.gov.
