Contact: Lindsey Ross, Senior Press Secretary
Lindsey.Ross@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 7, 2019) – A bill authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would establish the Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Program and Fund recently passed the Senate Committee on Education and Career Development by a bipartisan vote of 9 to 1.
Under Senate Bill 607, the program, which would be overseen by the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet (GWC) and Department of Workforce Development (DWD), would assist adult learners over the age of 22 in developing employability and career and technical education skills while obtaining a high school diploma.
The GWC would be required to approve providers interested in offering training to Hoosiers. The providers would then receive funds based on performance. For example, providers would receive $175 for each credit and $250 for each employability skills certificate equal to two credits that someone earns through their program.
“The Workforce Diploma Reimbursement Program would take a new outcome-based approach to preparing Indiana adults for the workforce,” Raatz said. “If passed, this bill would incentivize organizations to take part in the program by offering reimbursement. However, it would also ensure Hoosiers are provided the training they need by only awarding funds once credits are earned.”
Under the bill, providers would be required to submit invoices to the DWD monthly to receive funding.
SB 607 will now move to the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
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For a high-resolution photo of Sen. Raatz, click here.
