Apprenticeship Bills Goes to the Governor
The short February legislative session continues its march toward the finish line, with the constitutional deadline of March 9th drawing closer. This week the Oregon Senate unanimously voted to incorporate apprenticeship into the state’s education goals. One of AGC’s top priorities this session, HB 4058A adds clarity to Oregon’s “40-40-20” education goals adopted in 2011 by stating that registered apprenticeship programs will now be recognized along with associate’s degrees and post-secondary credentials.
Senator Mark Hass– Chair of the Senate Education Committee and author of the legislation that created the 40-40-20 goal in 2011– is quoted saying that “increasing our focus on technical training will put more young Oregonians on the path from high school to the middle class.” Like many industries, construction faces the need to add new skilled workers to meet the demands of a growing economy. From an industry perspective, recognizing apprenticeship as a path to a well-paying job is a critical step towards growing the construction industry’s future workforce.
See the full News Release from the Senate Majority Office here.
Last Chance Effort to Revive CRC Fails
The long-running debate concerning the Columbia River Crossing bridge replacement has apparently reached a conclusion. One last attempt to craft an Oregon-led version met a dead end with a majority of the legislature not comfortable moving forward without Washington’s participation. The failure of Washington to do its part led legislators to declare it is now time to shift focus to other pressing statewide transportation issues. AGC’s Public Affairs team will now turn its attention to resolving Oregon’s long-term transportation funding needs.
For further questions, please contact Public and Strategic Affairs Director John Rakowitz, 503-317-1781
503-317-1781.