Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves Bayou Works grants to help employers quickly upskill workers
Summary
House Bill 5 49 was reported favorable as amended; the bill creates Bayou Works, a competitive grant program reimbursing employers up to $2,000 per person to train and upskill workers, with sponsors saying no appropriation is requested and the program will be industry supported.
The committee reported House Bill 5 49 favorable as amended, a bill that establishes the Bayou Growth Opportunity workforce program — branded in testimony as Bayou Works — to provide competitive grants to employers for rapid upskilling. Representative Bridal, presenting the bill, said the goal is to help employers meet demand from large incoming projects and gave Textron’s recent $450 million contract as an example of the kinds of workforce needs the program aims to fill.
Under the bill, grants would be awarded to employers through local workforce boards after evaluating need and trainer availability; the sponsor said the program’s maximum award is $2,000 per person and that the bill requests no appropriation from the committee. Jim Patterson of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry testified in support and encouraged the business community to provide funding so the program can be launched.
The committee adopted technical amendments and reported the bill favorable as amended by unanimous consent.
