Connecticut House Bill HB05362

Connecticut 2014 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/14
• Refer: 2/26/14

Caption

An Act Targeting State Financial Aid To Support Technical Training.

Impact

The implementation of HB05362 is expected to provide critical financial assistance to students who may not qualify for federal aid or other training resources available through federal programs. By targeting state financial aid specifically to students showing financial need, the bill aims to promote equity in access to technical education, which is essential for individuals seeking to improve their employability in growing job markets. This could potentially elevate the workforce quality in Connecticut and help meet the demands of local employers.

Summary

House Bill 05362 establishes a pilot program aimed at increasing the enrollment of students in nondegree certificate programs and technical courses offered by regional community-technical colleges. The bill allocates funds amounting to $500,000 for the fiscal years 2015 and 2016 to support these educational options that lead to industry-recognized credentials. The objective is to align educational outcomes with the needs of local labor markets, particularly in fields experiencing a shortage of skilled workers such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and energy sectors.

Contention

Discussion around the bill may center on concerns regarding the effective allocation of state funds and the sufficiency of the proposed financial aid amount. Critics may argue that the bill does not address the broader structural issues impacting access to higher education, such as affordability and the overall funding of community colleges. Additionally, potential contention may arise from the need for ongoing evaluation and reporting by the Office of Higher Education to ensure that the program meets its objectives and provides a positive return in terms of employment rates for graduates of these programs.