Boehnke’s workforce bill becomes law
By Terry Murry on Friday, April 15th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has signed a bill sponsored by the Rep. Matt Boehnke (R-Kennewick) aimed at creating jobs and increasing education and training opportunities in the retail industry. House Bill 2019 will take effect on June 9.
“As we continue to try and grow our way out of the pandemic, our focus must be innovation and fostering an economic environment that’s favorable for business and job growth,” Boehnke said.
The bill requires the state’s Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board to work with retail employer organizations to identify existing gaps and engage with stakeholders to make recommendations on strategies to develop such things as additional courses and apprenticeships, build better networking opportunities for students and job seekers who complete retail certification courses, and increase training and job opportunities in the retail industry for underserved communities and previously incarcerated individuals.
Boehnke said his bill is designed to grow Washington’s workforce and strengthen the retail industry, which accounts for 42 percent of the state’s revenue and is responsible for nearly 400,000 jobs.
