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Lawmakers advance bills to connect Coloradans with work
A package of five bills to better workforce development cleared hurdles in Denver on Thursday.

DENVER – The Colorado House on Thursday advanced a package of bills aimed at workforce development.

The measures serve as the Legislature’s centerpiece jobs effort, working to address unemployment by connecting Coloradans to jobs. Lawmakers touted the package during a news conference last month.

Five bills were backed by the House on Thursday, including House Bill 1230, which would create an internship and apprenticeship program for engineering and research-development careers. Interns would be paid at least $10 per hour, and businesses would be reimbursed up to half of their expenses, capped at $5,000. The bill passed 34-31.

“This will ensure that our workforce is well trained to fill the jobs of the 21st century,” said Rep. Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, a sponsor of the bill. “These internships will connect more students with employers, build a stronger middle class and continue to keep Colorado businesses competitive.”

House Bill 1231 would extend unemployment benefits to people who are attending skills-training programs. The bill passed 35-30.

House Bill 1274 would enable the Colorado Workforce Development Council to work with various industries in determining which career pathways to design and prioritize in an effort to connect high school students with careers. The bill passed 35-30.

House Bill 1275 would allow students to apply course work toward apprenticeship programs and provide scholarships to pay for demanding technology programs. The bill passed 52-13.

House Bill 1276 would create a grant program to connect Coloradans with job and training opportunities. It passed 40-25.

All the bills now head to the Senate for consideration.

pmarcus@durangoherald.com

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