Gov. Eric Holcomb recently signed into law legislation co-authored by State Rep. Holli Sullivan (R-Evansville) helping streamline Hoosier workforce programs and funding.
According to Sullivan, Indiana currently spends about $1 billion across nine agencies that offer 30 different workforce programs. Under the new law, there will be an evaluation of the state’s workforce programs and funding to find both strengths and areas in need of improvement using return-on-investment metrics enacted in 2017.
“With this new law, we can better ensure the state is utilizing resources to best connect hardworking Hoosiers with jobs in high-demand fields,†Sullivan said. “By restructuring and streamlining our state’s workforce development programs, individuals will have more access to the training needed to secure high-wage employment.â€
Sullivan said a pathway will also be established 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 providing access to internships and offering funds to employers hiring EARN students.
The law also 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.
