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Panel advances bill to fund workforce recovery and training after Los Angeles and Ventura wildfires
Summary
AB 338 would fund workforce recovery priorities for regions affected by recent wildfires, including expanded training, expedited certification and stipends to reduce barriers for low‑income workers; county and regional workforce officials supported the bill and committee referred it to Appropriations with bipartisan support.
Assemblymember Solache presented AB 338, a bill aimed at strengthening workforce infrastructure and recovery in Los Angeles and Ventura counties after destructive wildfires. The bill seeks appropriations to expand targeted training, speed up certification for in‑demand jobs, provide stipends to lower barriers for low‑income workers, and support local workforce boards in recovery hiring and rebuilding work.
Nut graf: Proponents said the bill focuses on long‑term workforce recovery rather than immediate disaster relief, aligning training and job placements with rebuilding needs and providing supports — such as stipends and child care — to help displaced or unemployed workers reenter the workforce as the region recovers.
Mark E. Seadra of the Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity testified in support, saying county efforts included cash assistance and temporary employment programs but that further investment was needed to move from short‑term responses to sustainable recovery. Local governments, community colleges and workforce groups also testified in support; no opposition witnesses appeared in committee.
Committee action: The committee voted to refer AB 338 to the Committee on Appropriations. Supporters said the measure would build equity into economic recovery while generating local hiring and training capacity.
Why it matters: The bill is oriented to post‑disaster economic recovery in two large Southern California counties and aims to connect reconstruction activity with workforce development strategies.
