News Releases

Raatz: Bill to allow for the creation of an ICO certification passes Senate

Contact: Lindsey Ross, Senior Press Secretary
Lindsey.Ross@iga.in.gov 
317-232-9498

STATEHOUSE (Feb. 25, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would allow for the creation of an Industry Credentialing Organization (ICO) certificate today passed the Senate by a vote of 44 to 5.

Senate Bill 420 would allow qualifying organizations to receive an ICO certification through the Indiana Department of Education and Indiana Department of Workforce Development, and provide tax incentives to donors of the ICO. An ICO is a nonprofit organization that funds work-based learning for students up to the age of 22.

“Right now, there are many high-paying jobs available in our workforce that require a certification, not a college degree, and employers are struggling to find employees with the necessary skills to fill the positions,” Raatz said. “By creating an ICO certification, these organizations could help Hoosiers get on a career path to success by providing them with certifications and career coaching.”

Under the bill, to qualify for an ICO certification, an organization must be tax exempt and conduct activities to enhance career and technical education opportunities within the community, among other things.

SB 420 will now move to the House of Representatives.

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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Raatz, click here.