'Future Ready Iowa' workforce bill heads to Gov. Reynolds' desk, but some skeptical about funding

The Iowa Senate gave final approval Monday to "Future Ready Iowa" workforce development legislation, which is a key priority of Gov. Kim Reynolds for the 2018 legislative session.

House File 2458 passed 47-0, sending it to the Republican chief executive for her signature. The goal of the legislation is to have 70 percent of Iowa workers obtain education or training beyond high school by the year 2025.

Republicans and Democrats praised the bill, saying it will help Iowans learn skills to gain employment at good-paying jobs that will support their families and help them purchase homes. But several Democrats expressed some skepticism, saying the legislation will be an empty promise unless lawmakers follow through with state funding of $3 million for the upcoming year and $18 million for the following year through a separate budget bill.

Sen. William Dotzler, D-Waterloo, holding a Future Ready Iowa publication in his hand, remarked, "I will eat the cover off this book publicly if we can get that $18 million that they are talking about."

Read more: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/news/politics/2018/03/19/future-ready-iowa-workforce-bill-heads-gov-reynolds-desk-but-some-skeptical-funding/439388002/