The Missouri House today passed House Bill 225, sponsored by Representative Kathy Swan, by a vote of 101-49. Fast Track is one of Governor Parson’s top workforce development priorities to help reskill and retool Missouri workers to meet the workforce demands of the future.
“I am pleased the Missouri House passed one of our administration’s top workforce development priorities in a strong bi-partisan vote,” Governor Parson said. “Fast Track will benefit thousands of Missourians across this state, and I applaud Representative Swan and Speaker Haahr for their leadership in making sure our workforce is prepared for the demands of the future.”
The Fast Track financial aid program will target adults working toward degree programs that fill a high-need skills gap. The proposed program would provide tuition assistance in high-demand fields to Missourians who meet the eligibility criteria.
“I am excited to follow through on my commitment to pass Fast Track through the Missouri House and look forward to seeing how this innovative and bold idea will help Missouri develop a vibrant workforce,” Speaker of the House Elijah Haahr said.
The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2016 data puts the median household income for Missouri at $51,713. Additionally, 755,000 Missourians have some college experience but no degree. Fast Track will allow thousands of these Missourians the opportunity to pursue higher education opportunities in high-paying, high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing, computer science, and healthcare, which will achieve greater economic success for their families.
“Fast Track allows our higher education institutions, including community colleges and training schools, to become more accessible to Missourians and ensures students have the opportunity to gather the necessary education and training to fill high demand jobs,” Representative Kathy Swansaid. “I was thrilled to see this legislation pass with bipartisan support and look forward to working with the Senate to get it to the Governor’s desk.”
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