Weld County commissioners endorse workforce development bill

The Weld County Commission has endorsed a bill that would authorize counties to establish workforce development programs to provide funding to high school graduates who pursue college degrees or certifications.

Senate Bill 82, introduced by Sens. Vicki Marble, R-Fort Collins, and Mary Hodge, D-Brighton, would let Colorado counties accept contributions for such programs. The measure would increase state revenue to the extent that students enroll in state colleges and universities, according to the bill’s fiscal note.

The bill also authorizes a county that has established a program to offer a property tax credit or rebate to a residential or commercial property owner who contributes to the workforce development fund.

“This is a great bill that will be very helpful to Weld County residents,” Weld Commissioner Barbara Kirkmeyer said. “We are hopeful it will pass and allow us to better provide higher-education assistance to Weld County veterans, graduating high school seniors and people who want to go back to school to get their GED.”

Aims Community College, Colorado Counties Incorporated, Associated General Contractors of America and University of Northern Colorado also support the bill.

The bill heads to the House Local Government Committee after passing the Senate this week.

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