Workforce development bills headed for Colorado House vote

Five bills on workforce development are headed for a final vote in the state House, including a measure to spur paid internships in advanced industries.

House lawmakers voiced approval for these measures Wednesday:

• House Bill 1230, sponsored by Reps. Pete Lee, D-Colorado Springs, and Mike Foote, D-Lafayette, would create a program to encourage companies to offer paid internships in industries such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, infrastructure engineering and information technology.

• House Bill 1231, sponsored by Rep. Daneya Esgar, D-Pueblo, and Tracy Kraft-Tharp, D-Arvada, continues a program that allows the long-term unemployed to receive enhanced unemployment insurance benefits while they participate in an approved skills training program.

• House Bill 1274, sponsored by Reps. Alec Garnett, D-Denver, and Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, directs the state Workforce Development Council to work with businesses to design education and training programs in growing industries.

• House Bill 1275, sponsored by Rep. Faith Winter, D-Westminster, offers scholarships for students in high-demand career and tech programs at community colleges or vocational schools.

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