Gov. Holcomb Signs Two Next Level Agenda Workforce Bills

Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has signed two Next Level Agenda workforce bills.

Gov. Holcomb signs workforce bills with Indiana lawmakers and other state leaders as well as employer and postsecondary partners. Photo provided.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) – Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb has signed two Next Level Agenda workforce bills.

On Wednesday, Holcomb signed into law House Enrolled Act 1002 and Senate Enrolled Act 50, which will transform the state’s current approach to workforce development.

The new legislation will expand access to training funds for Hoosier adults and employers via the state’s Next Level Jobs initiative. Holcomb’s plan will require a waiver from the U.S. Department of Labor so the state can continue receiving $49 million in federal funding.

Holcomb says the measures will also create a 21-member board to oversee the state’s job training programs, while broadening eligibility requirements for some worker training grants.

“In the months ahead, we’ll assess our current programs, align them better to the needs of real job creators, and make them more accessible and easier to use,” said Holcomb.

The two bills signed Wednesday have been a top priority for Holcomb and Republican lawmakers. Democrats say the bills don’t do much to alter current workforce development programs.

House Speaker Brian Bosma released the following statement:

“We made significant progress on many issues this session, including matching our state’s top business climate with incentives and opportunities for Hoosiers to enhance their work skills. Our team continues to focus on connecting more Hoosiers to high-wage, high-demand jobs, which are coming to our state in droves. With the signing of these legislative priorities, our state is moving from planning to implementation to keep Indiana’s economic engine running strong.”