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Committee defers vote on $3.2 million ask for veteran skilled-trade center
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony for House Bill 11‑63, a $3,218,777 general‑fund request to build a veteran skilled‑trade center near Hot Springs. Supporters described the project as workforce development and suicide‑prevention; budget office questioned use of general funds. The committee deferred action.
House Bill 11‑63, a request for $3,218,777 in general funds to construct and equip a veteran skilled‑trade center near Hot Springs, drew a mix of emotional testimony and fiscal questions before the Joint Appropriations Committee deferred action.
Supporters said the center would provide transitional job skills to veterans coming out of treatment and rehabilitation programs. Representative Tim Goodwin, the bill sponsor, said the program’s goal is to “get them job skills” and help veterans re‑engage in stable employment. David Gates, founder and designer of the Veterans Helping Hands Project, said…
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