Welcome to our first newsletter of the 2022 Legislative Session! We are looking forward to this year’s session, which looks like it will focus quite a bit on workforce issues. This year looks like it will be a little more “back to normal” with in-person events and meetings at the Capitol, however, web conference options for committees will continue, expanding access across the state.
Our first call to action is related to the budget. We have requested a 6.5% increase in state general aid ($14 million). This is a bigger ask than we have had in year’s past as we face rising costs for salaries, utilities, and a variety of other expenses. This is a critical time to invest in workforce training and education. There are capacity issues in several high-demand, cost-intensive programs in career and technical education and workforce training that require equipment, space, and instruction.
In this issue, you will find the bills we are currently tracking, more information on the governor’s Condition of the State speech and budget, and new legislative leadership and committee assignments. If you have suggestions for newsletter content in the future, please reach out to Monica at mdclark@iacct.com.
-Emily Shields, IACCT Executive Director