SB 107-08: FAST Act (Failed)

[WD]

The FAST Act

BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA:

Section 1. Background and Purpose

To provide a focus on Alternative Skills Training Program in employment and to prepare the next young leaders for the 21st century.

(a) This section establishes the Focus on Alternative Skills Training Program ( "FAST" ) within the Division of Employment and Training. FAST provides tuition for an eligible individual for an approved non-degree credit certificate program that provides industry-accepted skill training and certification.

(b) An individual must provide proof of all of the following to be eligible for FAST:

(1) That the individual is a resident of the Republic of Atlasia.

(2) That the individual has attained one of the following:

a. A diploma from a public, charter, or nonpublic high school, or homeschool.

(3) That the individual enrolled in an approved non-degree credit certificate program no later than 24 months after graduating from high school.

(4) If employed, a statement from the individual's employer providing the amount of financial assistance the employer paid toward tuition for the non-degree credit certificate program.

(c)(1) The Workforce Development Board, or its successor, shall maintain a list of non-degree credit certificate programs approved for FAST. The list of non-degree credit certificate programs approved for FAST must be updated annually.

(2) The Workforce Development Board must include the following criteria in the decision to approve a non-degree credit certificate program for FAST:

a. The skill requirements of employers in the State, including the skill needs of an in-demand industry sector or occupation in the State.

b. The job placement rate for graduates.

(d) A FAST payment under this section must be made as follows:

(1) The total amount of FAST payments for each eligible individual may not exceed $10,000.

(2) A FAST payment may not pay an individual's tuition for longer than 12 months, but multiple tuition payments may be made on behalf of an individual.

(3) The FAST payment is equal to the difference between the full amount of tuition charged by the non-degree credit certificate program and any financial assistance the individual received.

(4) FAST payments must be paid on a first-come, first-served basis.

(5) The FAST program is subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose. This subsection does not create a right or entitlement in an individual to receive a monetary payment under the compensation program.

Section 2. The money appropriated will be at least $1 million and shall be derived from property taxes.

Sponsor: Spark

The gentleman from Florida is recognized.

[Senator-elect Spark]

This program focus on training students for alternative skills. These types of skills are in demand across Atlasia and we need to focus on preparing our students for the challenges of tomorrow. The program will help to defray the costs associated with job training and preparation. Many times, employees need to foot the bill for this education and the government should subsidize that cost. We need to ensure we don't overburden our young people with debt that can easily be avoided, especially if they are pursuing a lower than average paying field.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Section 2. The money appropriated will be at least $1 million and shall be derived from property taxes.

What property taxes?

[Senator-elect Spark]

Section 2. The money appropriated will be at least $1 million and shall be derived from property taxes.

What property taxes?

Regional property taxes. If a region cannot fund such an initiative, we need to devise an alternative funding mechanism for this bill.

[Saint Milei]

So you want the federal government to take regional property taxes to fund this and if a region can't we, the federal government needs to devise a plan for this?

[Joseph Cao]

Who is defining alternative skills here? Is there a working definition?

[Senator-elect Spark]

So you want the federal government to take regional property taxes to fund this and if a region can't we, the federal government needs to devise a plan for this?

No, the intention is that regions cannot fund such an initiative, the federal government will devise a funding mechanism through this bill. The clause for this said funding source is up for debate.

[Continential]

So you want the federal government to take regional property taxes to fund this and if a region can't we, the federal government needs to devise a plan for this?

Indeed.

Then I motion to table this as this violates the right of a region to not have a property tax.

[Senator-elect Spark]

So you want the federal government to take regional property taxes to fund this and if a region can't we, the federal government needs to devise a plan for this?

Indeed.

Then I motion to table this as this violates the right of a region to not have a property tax.

I misunderstood the question, my mistake. We can debate how this will be funded.

[Joseph Cao]

Who is defining alternative skills here? Is there a working definition?

Spark?

[Senator-elect Spark]

Who is defining alternative skills here? Is there a working definition?

Alternative skills are those that are mostly practical and technical in nature related to technical institutes, and other vocational professions. The program would focus on building soft skills as well.

[Joseph Cao]

Who is defining alternative skills here? Is there a working definition?

Alternative skills are those that are mostly practical and technical in nature related to technical institutes, and other vocational professions. The program would focus on building soft skills as well.

I'd suggest adding a relevant definition into the bill in that case; I don't have the same sources you did when drafting this bill so that would be a job best done by the sponsor.

[WD]

With Spark having resigned, his sponsorship is automatically withdrawn, and this bill will be taken off the floor in 48 hours if no Senators offers to be a sponsor.

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

I'll sponsor this in the absence of former Senator Spark

[WD]

24 hours to object to Muad’dib’s sponsorship.

[West_Midlander]

24 hours to object to Muad’dib’s sponsorship.

What happens if someone objects?

[WD]

24 hours to object to Muad’dib’s sponsorship.

What happens if someone objects?

A vote will be opened on Muad’dib’s sponsorship motion. If a majority votes in favor, he becomes sponsor. If a majority votes against, this bill will be removed from the floor.

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

In before a certain individual objects

[WD]

Pre-filing a motion for a final vote for after the objection period.

[West_Midlander]

Pre-filing a motion for a final vote for after the objection period.

Pre-filing a motion to object to the proposed pre-filed final vote motion.

[WD]

Muad’dib assumes sponsorship. A vote on cloture is now open. Senators, please vote Aye, Nay, or Abstain.

[West_Midlander]

Nay. I am interested in amending this bill to a workable piece of legislation.

[WD]

Aye

[DabbingSanta]

Nay

[Deep Dixieland Senator, Muad'dib (OSR MSR)]

Nay. I am interested in amending this bill to a workable piece of legislation.

I will Vote Nay to help enable the Senator to submit his ammendment.