Legislative Update Governor Holcomb’s Proposed Budget

Governor Eric Holcomb has announced plans to pursue transformational changes to public health in Indiana, increased investments in K-12 education, and stronger economic development tools as part of his 2023 Next Level Agenda. Below is a summarized listing of the changes.

Health and Wellbeing:

• The Governor is committed to improving Hoosier health outcomes by providing necessary resources and service delivery, including the implementation of recommendations from the Governor's Public Health Commission. This includes a budget request for $120 million in 2024 and $227 million in 2025 to be made available to county officials to improve and standardize governance, infrastructure, and services in all 92 counties, as well as the establishment of a State Health Workforce Council and a state health office of data and analytics.

• The agenda also includes efforts to improve mental health services, including the expansion of 988 Crisis and Suicide Lifeline services, the development of crisis stabilization units, the transition to a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic system, and the implementation of the Governor's Challenge to Prevent Suicide among veterans.

• Additionally, the Governor plans to launch a new Treatment Finder Program to connect those struggling with addiction with appropriate treatment and invest the over $500 million the state will receive from the national opioid settlement in community substance use programs.

Education and Workforce:

• The Governor plans to fully fund the cost of textbooks for Indiana students and introduce new literacy initiatives, as well as increase funding for teacher development and school safety.

• The agenda also includes plans to strengthen the state's workforce development system and support the growth of highdemand industries, including through initiatives to increase the number of Hoosiers with in-demand skills and credentials and to connect workers with job opportunities.

Economic Development:

• The Governor's agenda includes plans for stronger economic development, including the continuation of the successful READI program and the development of new tools to capture key economic development projects.

• The agenda also includes initiatives to support small businesses and entrepreneurs, as well as to promote innovation and the growth of high-tech industries.

Transportation:

• The Governor's agenda includes a focus on modernizing and maintaining Indiana's infrastructure, as well as improving safety, efficiency, and connectivity.

• This includes plans to invest in road, bridge, and public transit projects, as well as initiatives to advance autonomous and electric vehicles and address funding challenges.

• The Governor also plans to enhance the state's aviation system, including by investing in regional airports and expanding the Indiana International Airport.

Agriculture:

• The Governor's agenda includes a focus on supporting the growth and success of Indiana's agriculture industry, as well as promoting conservation and environmental stewardship.

• This includes plans to invest in research and development, as well as initiatives to support the next generation of farmers and promote the growth of value-added agriculture.

• The Governor also plans to enhance the state's response to animal health emergencies and support the expansion of Indiana's livestock and poultry industries.

Quality of Life:

• The Governor's agenda includes a focus on promoting the arts, tourism, and outdoor recreation in Indiana.

• This includes plans to invest in cultural and creative placemaking, as well as initiatives to support the growth of Indiana's tourism industry and promote access to outdoor recreation opportunities.

• The Governor also plans to enhance the state's efforts to preserve and protect Indiana's natural and cultural resources, as well as support the development of trails and greenways.

Heartland Career Center hosted their first FAA part 107 drone test passers for the 22-23 school year. Precision Agriculture students applied their Agronomy and soil sampling skills to map fields by flying drones to scout areas. They have also incorporated an intricate sprayer/spreader drone for more in depth processes. Special notice should be given to their overall success, touting the 10,814 college credits earned, the 559 certifications and licenses earned, and the 345 internships experienced during the 2021-22 school year.

4. The Health Science nursing pathway at Crispus Attucks works closely with their industry partner at Morning Light—a residence providing care to terminally ill patients without financial resources. Morning Light has provided multiple touch points across the work-based learning continuum to connect students interested in a career in the nursing field to value-added experiences, such as guest speaking engagements, mock interviews, career days, job fairs and employment. In addition, they are also an active member of the Health Sciences program Advisory Board.

5. The Crown Point Machining program in Valparaiso, partners with their area apprenticeship association council. The instructor at the career center works closely with the Council and tailors his program to meet the needs of the students and the Council. He has developed partnerships with over 40 local industry partners and educational institutions. Together, they run a job shadow program with these partnerships which lead to internships and ultimately Job placement upon graduation; in addition, the members of the Council provide guest speakers, tours, and part-time work opportunities for students. Working together they produce an excellent entry-level machinist, provide students with a path to a great career in the local area, and continue to keep the workforce strong in Northwest Indiana.

Drafting Your Own Conceptual Design

Above are just a few examples of how all the parts put together work for students and employers. As you consider how to grow your talent pipeline or connect with your local CTE programs, it’s important to do an internal analysis of your company’s needs. Before developing any plans to expand your workforce or recruit a more skilled workforce, gathering evidence that establishes the baseline from which you are starting is the first step. Next, consider mapping the skill sets, or internal pathways, that you want your current employees to have after one, five, or ten years of service with you. By identifying how your current employee can be promoted within your company, you can then start designing and promoting those pathways to students you want to recruit and train to fill your entry-level positions.

Your next generation of employees can be found in your backyard and leaning into the CTE programs you find there will improve a business’ bottom line because you will find that high school students entering the workforce upon graduation and are career-ready are trained best and more qualified when employers and CTE programs partner together--the two are symbiotic and dependent on each other. -

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