Creates and provides for Louisiana Educational Workforce Training Fund to provide opportunities for educational training in the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. (gov sig) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Impact
This bill would introduce a dedicated funding stream for workforce training, which could significantly impact higher education in Louisiana. Allocations from this fund will not interfere with existing state or federal funding mechanisms and will be provided based on specific performance metrics. This creates an incentive for community colleges to deliver high-demand training programs efficiently while ensuring that these institutions can rely on a consistent funding source to address the evolving needs of the labor market.
Summary
Senate Bill 102 aims to establish the Louisiana Educational Workforce Training Fund to enhance workforce training programs in the state's community and technical college system. The fund is designed to provide monetary support for training programs that prepare individuals, particularly the underemployed or those without postsecondary credentials, for high-wage and high-skill careers. This initiative focuses on aligning educational opportunities with the demands of the job market, ensuring that Louisiana citizens can acquire the necessary skills for available positions in their communities.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding SB 102 is largely positive as stakeholders recognize the urgent need for workforce training that aligns with industry requirements. Supporters, including educators and economic development advocates, view the bill as a vital step toward addressing unemployment and underemployment in Louisiana. However, there may be concerns from some individuals about the potential limitations imposed by funding criteria and the need for institutions to continually meet specified outcomes to receive support.
Contention
While the bill is generally well-received, there could be points of contention regarding the 20% private match requirement for funding distribution. This requirement may raise concerns about the accessibility of resources for community colleges, particularly those serving low-income populations. Additionally, the model of outcomes-based funding could lead to debates about accountability and whether it sufficiently considers the unique challenges faced by different educational institutions across Louisiana.
Renames the Northwest La. Technical College as the Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College and provides for an expansion of its mission and educational program (EN INCREASE SG EX See Note)
Provides relative to the issuance of bonds to finance capital improvements for the Louisiana Community and Technical Colleges System. (2/3-CA7s6(F)(1))(gov sig)
Creates the Louisiana Jobs Now Fund for the purpose of funding postsecondary education degree and certificate production in high-demand fields (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Provides relative to the issuance of bonds for financing certain capital improvement projects within the Louisiana Community and Technical College System. (2/3-CA7s6(A))(7/1/25) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Creates the Louisiana Cybersecurity Talent Initiative Fund for the purpose of funding degree and certificate programs in cybersecurity fields and creates the Cybersecurity Education Management Council to advise relative to the fund. (8/1/20) (EN SEE FISC NOTE SD EX See Note)
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs to study employment practices and professional licensing requirements to benefit veterans in the workforce
Requests the Louisiana Workforce Commission to conduct a study to determine the assets needed in order to accommodate and assist the oil and gas industry in providing trained Louisiana workers needed for oil and gas production expected from newly found minerals in the Tuscaloosa Marine Shale.