Workforce & Talent Pipeline

Legislative Concepts

State Workforce Partnership Program Act. The State Workforce Partnership Program Act responds to persistent labor shortages by authorizing state-issued work permits for eligible immigrants to work in designated high-demand industries under state oversight. The program supports sectors such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, and skilled trades while maintaining compliance with federal law and protecting resident workers. The Act establishes clear employer responsibilities, wage protections, reporting requirements, and enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability and prevent abuse. Its purpose is to stabilize critical industries, reduce informal labor markets, and align workforce policy with economic reality. Click for More Information

Skilled Trades Workforce Recovery Program Act. The Skilled Trades Workforce Recovery Program Act addresses labor shortages in high-demand trades by expanding access to vocational training, apprenticeships, and employer-led workforce development programs. The Act reduces financial and logistical barriers for workers pursuing skilled careers through tuition assistance, stipends, and transportation support. It incentivizes partnerships between employers, community colleges, unions, and technical schools to align training with real job openings. Its goal is to rebuild the skilled trades pipeline, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and connect residents to stable, well-paying jobs. Click for More Information

Researcher Retention and Transition Act. The Researcher Retention and Transition Act provides temporary fellowships and structured transition support for researchers displaced by federal funding cuts or institutional restructuring. The program offers short-term stipends, career counseling, mentorship, and pathways into private industry, entrepreneurship, applied research, or continued academic work. By coordinating universities with regional employers and innovation ecosystems, the Act prevents talent loss and supports in-state economic growth. Its purpose is to retain highly skilled professionals while stabilizing the research and development workforce. Click for More Information

Keep Teachers Teaching Act. The Keep Teachers Teaching Act strengthens classroom stability by establishing a minimum salary floor for public school teachers and authorizing targeted retention incentives in high-need schools and shortage areas. The Act prioritizes instructional spending by realigning non-classroom expenditures where feasible, while preserving local control over school operations. Reporting requirements ensure fiscal transparency and workforce planning alignment. Its objective is to reduce turnover, strengthen recruitment, and support consistent student outcomes. Click for More Information

Parental Right to Participate in Schools Act. The Parental Right to Participate in Schools Act allows working parents and guardians to take limited unpaid leave to attend school conferences, academic meetings, and other educational activities for their children. The Act balances the importance of family engagement in education with employer operational needs through reasonable notice requirements and clearly defined limits. Posting and compliance provisions ensure that both employees and employers understand their rights and responsibilities. Its purpose is to strengthen educational outcomes by reinforcing parental involvement. Click for More Information