HB 26-17: The Youth Preparedness Act of 2020 (Passed)

[Left Wing]

The bill needs some work but I can sponsor.

[Left Wing]

Mr Speaker

I rise to support the bill. It's provisions will create much-needed opportunities for our youth. Too many of them are being left behind by being inadequately prepared for the job market. I believe this bill will better prepare our next generation for the real world. I do have some concerns about the vagueness of the definition of Community-based organization and I will be offering an amendment on that matter.

I yield.

[Left Wing]

Mr Speaker.

It's said often, but socialism is not when the government does stuff. The nuclear family model is certainly not a perfect system, but even if it were, this bill has nothing to do with that. We offer public school for a reason. Most parents are not adequate mentors to their children. Too many kids are falling behind, especially in the inner cities where they get stuck in minimum wage jobs. To compare building a nationwide high speed rail grid to an after-school program is honestly ridiculous.

I yield.

[Left Wing]

Seeing as multiple representatives have voiced their concerns over faith-based organizations, which I agree with. I am introducing this amendment to remove the wording from the bill. But further revisions are still needed.

Section 3. Definitions
As defined in this Act:

a. Community-based organization
    i. The term community-based organization means a youth-serving private nonprofit organization (which may include a faith-based organization) that—
    ii. is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community;
    iii. has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in workforce development; and
    iv. has demonstrated expertise—
    v. in the planning and delivery of education, training, and related activities that are included in a career pathway;
    vi. in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and other members of the community; and
    vii. in development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of students and outcomes of career pathways.

[Left Wing]

Aye

[Left Wing]

If my reading is correct, that "section 7" business in Section 4 refers to the definitions portion of Section 3 and an (admittedly minor) amendment is needed on that. Anyone with another interpretation?

I do still think the parameters for eligibility need a bit of clarification, and beyond that I'm not sure what extra plans the sponsor has aside from the amendment made thus far.

I agree there is definitely some unclarity so I’m going to write another amendment.

[Left Wing]

Not to rush the sponsor or anything but how's the amendment coming along?

Thanks for the reminder on this, will finish it up soon.

[Left Wing]

Just wanted to apologize for my tardiness on this. I will try to get it done soon.

[Left Wing]

Sorry, I don’t like making excuses but I was distracted from this a little by what’s going on irl. I’ll get the amendment up tomorrow.

[Left Wing]

AN ACT

To establish after-school youth development programs across the nation by strengthening employment preparation skills, career exploration, career development, and workforce opportunities

Be it ordained by the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:

Section 1. Title
a. The title of this legislation shall be the Youth Preparedness Act of 2020

Section 2. Purpose
The purpose of this Act is to establish or expand activities to—

a. Increase access and opportunities for youth to obtain the education and training that youth need to succeed in the labor market;
b. Support engagement in and the integration of programs and activities offered during out-of-school-time hours through the workforce investment, education, and economic development systems;
c. Improve the quality of the workforce and meet the skill requirements of employers;
d. Engage employers in addressing the training, skill, and employment needs of youth and youth jobseekers, and fostering opportunities for connection and economic mobility; and
e. Include younger youth in the education and workforce investment activities in an age and developmentally appropriate manner.

Section 3. Definitions
As defined in this Act:

a. Community-based organization
    i. The term community-based organization means a youth-serving private nonprofit organization (which may not include a faith-based organization) that—
    ii. is representative of a community or a significant segment of a community;
    iii. has demonstrated expertise and effectiveness in workforce development; and
    iv. has demonstrated expertise—
    v. in the planning and delivery of education, training, and related activities that are included in a career pathway;
    vi. in forging coordination and cooperation between educators and other members of the community; and
    vii. in development and implementation of data systems that measure the progress of students and outcomes of career pathways.
b. An independent council shall determine if a Community-based organization meets these standards
    i. These councils will consist of appointees by governors at the state level.

Section 4. Establishment
a. This act shall hereby establish a Workforce readiness program.
The term workforce readiness program means an out-of-school-time program that—
    i. Meets the requirements of section 73;
    ii. is offered by a community-based organization of an eligible entity or a related covered partnership; and
    iii. is intended to help prepare eligible youth for the workforce.

Section 5. Grant program establishment

a. Grants
Using the amounts made available under section 9, the Secretary shall award grants, on a competitive basis, to eligible entities.
b. General use of funds
Grants shall be awarded on a competitive basis, to assist eligible entities in planning, developing, and implementing nationwide, comprehensive workforce readiness programs, that are—
    i. in out-of-school-time programs;
    ii. carried out by community-based organizations of the eligible entity or related covered partnerships; and
    iii. for eligible youth.
c. Periods of grants
Grants will be awarded for periods of not less than 3 years and not more than 5 years.

Okay so this amendment addresses the three main concerns that have been expressed so far. It fixes the "section 7" typo, it is more clear about not allowing faith based organizations and it establishes more regulatory oversight to make sure these programs meet the correct needs.

[Left Wing]

I motion for a final vote.

[Left Wing]

Aye