The 2018 legislative session recently concluded, and lawmakers worked to enact new policies strengthening workforce development and allowing Sunday alcohol sales.
Indiana spends $1 billion on 30 workforce programs across nine state agencies. New legislation will re-evaluate workforce-related programs using return-on-investment metrics enacted in 2017. This legislation also doubles funding for workforce training grants to better connect Hoosier workers with high-demand, high-wage jobs. Gov. Eric Holcomb is now considering this as a new law.
Under this measure, a Next Level Workforce Training and Development Fund would be established to ensure investments are made into these programs each year. To connect Hoosier employees and jobseekers with state resources, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development would begin informing local school officials and students on grants and programs that are available.
In our region alone, there are nearly 6,000 job openings. Whether you are looking for a better-paying job or trying to find skilled employees, Next Level Jobs has the resources to help. Visit www.nextleveljobs.org to learn more.
Another new law allows Sunday alcohol sales. For many years, liquor store owners opposed Sunday sales in fear they would lose market share to supermarkets and other stores.
At the start of session, our community members responded to legislative surveys providing feedback on certain issues. Results show 60 percent of respondents supported Sunday alcohol sales. With the majority of the community wanting this change, lawmakers passed a law allowing alcohol to be sold from noon to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
It is important we do our best to continue taking Indiana to the next level. I worked hard during the last 10 weeks to advocate for our community and better ensure a thriving Indiana.