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Utah House approves expanded higher‑education economic development initiative to fund technical jobs training
Summary
The House passed a second substitute to House Bill 3 13 to dedicate funding to UCAT centers and colleges, aiming to train roughly 1,275 workers for skilled jobs statewide; the measure passed the House 69‑0 and moves to the Senate.
Representative Craig Holdaway, sponsor of House Bill 3 13, persuaded the House to adopt a second substitute that directs one‑time funding to Applied Technology (UCAT) centers and colleges to help train workers for openings in machining, construction, manufacturing, mining, petroleum and energy technician fields. Holdaway told colleagues the measure is intended to retain or recruit about 1,275 jobs statewide and estimated the positions would generate more than $36 million in annual salaries.
Supporters said the package is an economic‑development tool aimed at feeding current job vacancies and keeping programs viable at institutions that draw students from neighboring states. Representative Alexander moved the formal substitution on the floor and Representative Holdaway offered an amendment clarifying how funds flow; the amendment passed.
Debate on the bill emphasized that the additional scholarships and training slots were designed to support workforce needs across multiple technical programs rather than concentrating in a single campus. Representative Wallace and others urged prompt action to avoid losing time on needed placements. No sustained opposition developed on the floor during final consideration.
Voting was opened and, after the Clerk closed the count, the House recorded 69 yes votes and 0 no votes on the second substitute as amended. The bill was reported passed the House and will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.
The House record shows the sponsor emphasizing oversight and invited further questions from members; the bill now proceeds to the Senate calendar for its next steps.
