STATEHOUSE (Jan. 24, 2022) – A bill authored by State Sen. Travis Holdman (R-Markle) that would establish a workforce retention and recruitment program within local communities, today passed the Senate unanimously.
Senate Bill 4 would allow local units of government to create a fund to help attract and retain employees for continued business in their community. Funds could support financial resources such as grants and loans for Indiana college graduates and individuals who live in or relocate to the community for work, to agree to work remotely or agree to work for an Indiana company.
"The worker shortage is a concern in Indiana and across the nation," Holdman said. "This bill would provide another tool for our local communities in need of trained and skilled workers."
Last session, legislators invested in Indiana's commitment to growth and prosperity by creating the Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) program. The program awarded up to $50 million to regions that developed plans to improve quality of life in their communities and enhance economic and population growth.
Given the $500 million statewide investment from the READI program, SB 4 can be the next step in giving local units of government the resources needed to expand their workforce for the coming READI improvements.
SB 4 will now move to the House of Representatives for further consideration.
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Click here for a high-resolution photo of Holdman.
