Bill to boost skilled Missouri workforce awaiting governor’s action

A bill awaiting action from the governor aims to help build and retain a skilled Missouri workforce. 

It would reimburse employers who help their workers earn short-term certificates or credentials for high-need jobs. 

House Speaker Pro Tem Mike Henderson, R-Desloge, is sponsoring the bill:   “It gives businesses a chance to grow their own workers,” he says. “A lot of businesses nowadays have workers they’re having trouble finding the workers they need and if they do find a worker, they may not have the skills they would really like but they come to work every day, they’re a good cultural fit, everybody seems to think they fit with the company.” 

The bill would let Missouri high school athletes start scoring on endorsement deals as soon as they sign up to play for a Missouri college or university. 

It would also create a grant program for new general primary care and psychiatry medical residency positions in Missouri.