Governor Brian P. Kemp of Georgia recently approved a series of bills to bolster the state’s workforce development initiatives. The signing took place at the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) Leadership Summit and was witnessed by First Lady Marty Kemp, TCSG leadership, and members of the Georgia General Assembly.
Governor Kemp stated, “As the No. 1 state for business, Georgia has seen record-breaking jobs and investment come to communities in every part of the state. With the bills I signed today, we’re taking further steps to prepare Georgians to walk through those open doors. I’m proud to sign these bills with so many of the men and women whose work every day is building the workforce of tomorrow.”
The legislation comprises three separate bills:
House Bill 217, introduced by Representatives Soo Hong and Chuck Martin and managed in the Senate by Senator Bo Hatchett, aims to reform the Dual Achievement Program and extends the pilot for five more years. The bill also permits the Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) to use data from the Department of Revenue to verify income for Promise Scholarship applicants and addresses an enrollment count issue in school board election regulations. Governor Kemp acknowledged the contributions of Speaker Pro Tem Jan Jones, TCSG Commissioner Greg Dozier, and GSFC Presidents Lynne Riley and Chris Green.
Senate Bill 180, championed by Senator Clint Dixon and handled in the House by Representative Matt Dubnik, allows for apprenticeship sponsors beyond just employers to join the High Demand Apprenticeship Program, which offers funding upon the completion of apprenticeships.
Senate Bill 193, sponsored by Senator Matt Brass and overseen in the House by Representative Houston Gaines, establishes a program under TCSG that confers high school diplomas to adults aged 21 to 40.
Governor Kemp expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in the efforts leading to the enactment of these measures.
