Iowa 2023-2024 Regular Session

Iowa House Bill HF6

Introduced
1/11/23  
Introduced
1/11/23  
Refer
1/11/23  

Caption

A bill for an act relating to workforce development, including establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program and modifying the responsibilities of the Iowa workforce development board.(See HF 447.)

Impact

The creation of the WGIP signifies a direct investment in Iowa's education and workforce. It aims to alleviate financial burdens on students pursuing careers in fields that are vital to the state's economy. Additionally, the program's structure is crafted to prioritize students facing the greatest financial need, thereby potentially increasing access to higher education for underrepresented groups. The establishment of a dedicated fund ensures that the program has a stable source of financial resources, addressing the critical demand for skilled workers in the state.

Summary

House File 6 aims to enhance workforce development in Iowa through the establishment of the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program (WGIP). This program is designed to provide financial assistance to eligible students enrolled in programs aligned with high-demand jobs. It facilitates grants for both full-time and part-time students, allowing full-time students to receive up to $2,500 per semester for a maximum of three semesters. Part-time students are eligible for prorated amounts based on their enrollment. The program emphasizes the importance of maintaining satisfactory academic progress to ensure continued eligibility for funding.

Contention

While the WGIP is generally seen as a positive step towards equipping students with the necessary tools for future employment, some concerns have been raised regarding the program's implementation. Legislation allows the Iowa workforce development board to prepare and update lists of high-demand jobs, but such changes might lead to uncertainty regarding what fields will receive support over time. Moreover, like any grant system, there is potential for challenges regarding the equitable distribution of funds, particularly if demand for grants exceeds available resources. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of the program will be vital to ensure it meets the evolving needs of both students and the workforce.

Companion Bills

IA HF447

Similar To A bill for an act relating to workforce development, including establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program and modifying the responsibilities of the Iowa workforce development board and the state board of regents.(Formerly HF 6.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF447

A bill for an act relating to workforce development, including establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program and modifying the responsibilities of the Iowa workforce development board and the state board of regents.(Formerly HF 6.)

IA HSB68

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, adult education, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards, and making appropriations.(See HF 722.)

IA HF722

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards.(Formerly HSB 68.)

IA SSB1068

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, adult education, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards, and making appropriations.(See SF 222, SF 603.)

IA SF222

A bill for an act relating to workforce training, unemployment insurance, adult education, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local workforce development boards, and making appropriations.(Formerly SSB 1068; See SF 603.)

IA SF603

A bill for an act relating to workforce compensation and training, unemployment insurance, and other functions and programs of the department of workforce development, the workforce development board, and local government entities, and including effective date provisions. (Formerly SF 222, SSB 1068.) Effective date: 03/28/2025, 07/01/2025.

IA HSB254

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, the department of education, and the state board of regents; requiring the state board of regents to conduct a study and prepare a report related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts; providing for responsibilities of the workforce development board; establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program; requiring the department of education to convene a task force on at-risk students and dropout prevention programs; modifying provisions related to the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program, the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, the education savings account program, the gap tuition assistance program, the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program, career and technical education programs, the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program, the equipment replacement and program-sharing property tax levy, and the posting of education-related job openings; and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(See HF 731.)

IA HF731

A bill for an act relating to and making appropriations to the education system, including the funding and operation of the department for the blind, the department of education, and the state board of regents; requiring the state board of regents to conduct a study and prepare a report related to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and efforts; providing for responsibilities of the workforce development board; establishing the Iowa workforce grant and incentive program; requiring the department of education to convene a task force on at-risk students and dropout prevention programs; modifying provisions related to the future ready Iowa skilled workforce grant program, the all Iowa opportunity scholarship program, the education savings account program, the gap tuition assistance program, the Iowa educational services for the blind and visually impaired program, career and technical education programs, the fine arts beginning teacher mentoring program, the equipment replacement and program-sharing property tax levy, and the posting of education-related job openings; and including effective date, applicability, and retroactive applicability provisions.(Formerly HSB 254.)

IA HSB686

A bill for an act relating to work-based learning, including by repealing provisions related to regional industry sector partnerships and the statewide work-based learning intermediary network, establishing the workforce opportunity fund within the department of workforce development, modifying provisions related to career and technical education, student teacher requirements for students with substitute teaching or para-educator experience, and the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program, and making appropriations.(See HF 2516, HF 2703.)

IA HF2516

A bill for an act relating to work-based learning, including by repealing provisions related to regional industry sector partnerships and the statewide work-based learning intermediary network, establishing the workforce opportunity fund within the department of workforce development, modifying provisions related to career and technical education, student teacher requirements for students with substitute teaching or para-educator experience, and the future ready Iowa skilled workforce last-dollar scholarship program, and making appropriations.(Formerly HSB 686; See HF 2703.)

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