Appropriations committee strips $3M from higher‑ed ERP, removes student pregnancy grant and shifts funds to workforce innovation

The Appropriations Committee's Education and Environment Division voted on April 9 to remove $3,000,000 earmarked for an enterprise resource planning (ERP) effort in the higher education budget, strike a proposed grant program for pregnant or recently postpartum students, and reallocate $3,000,000 to workforce education innovation grants, committee records and roll calls show.

The actions came during the committee's session to reconcile house and senate long sheets for higher education and the commerce budget. Chairman Nathie opened the meeting and led roll calls as members debated targeted changes, including several line items tied to workforce programs and one-time economic development funding.

The $3,000,000 ERP removal was proposed by Representative Swiatek. "Mr. Chairman, I move that we remove, the 3,000,000 from the enterprise resource planning," Swiatek said during the meeting. Representative Lausser seconded the motion. On a roll call the motion passed 4-1 (one member recused), moving the line out of the higher education section.

The committee also considered a proposed $2,000,000 grant program to support students who are currently pregnant or recently gave birth. Representative Lausser moved to strike the section; the motion carried on a roll call…