STAND. COM. REP. NO. 570-20

Honolulu, Hawaii

, 2020

RE: H.B. No. 2092

H.D. 1

Honorable Scott K. Saiki

Speaker, House of Representatives

Thirtieth State Legislature

Regular Session of 2020

State of Hawaii

Sir:

Your Committee on Labor & Public Employment, to which was referred H.B. No. 2092, H.D. 1, entitled:

"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO SCHOOLS,"

begs leave to report as follows:

The purpose of this measure is to appropriate funds to the Department of Education to establish a Workforce Readiness Program within the Adult Community Schools Program.

Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Education, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, Workforce Development Council, Hawaii Pacific Health, Hawaii Food Industry Association, Change Agents, and ten individuals. Your Committee received comments on this measure from the Executive Office on Early Learning and Early Learning Board.

Your Committee finds that high school students and non-high school graduates in Hawaii would benefit from aligning educational curriculum to a workforce readiness program that is dependent on close collaboration between high schools and Department of Education adult community schools, community colleges, the Workforce Development Council, and employers. This measure will establish the Workforce Readiness Program to ensure that students receive industry-based skills and credentials required for employment after graduation or upon completion of the Adults' Workforce Preparation Program.

As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Labor & Public Employment that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 2092, H.D. 1, and recommends that it be referred to your Committee on Finance.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Labor & Public Employment,

____________________________

AARON LING JOHANSON, Chair