CO SB232

Appropriates $15,000,000 to the Department of Higher Education for the Colorado Opportunity Scholarship Initiative's Displaced Workers Grant for fiscal year 2020-21, using federal American Rescue Plan Act funds and the coronavirus state fiscal recovery fund.

Funds support Colorado workers displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic, including those laid off, furloughed, experiencing reduced earnings, or unable to enter the workforce, through scholarships and wraparound supports for reskilling and credentials.

Distributes funds to public institutions of higher education, community partners, and workforce centers statewide to serve an estimated 3,000+ displaced workers with some college education but no degree.

Appropriates an additional $15,000,000 to the workers, employers, and workforce centers cash fund from the general fund for related purposes.

Any unspent funds from fiscal year 2020-21 are carried forward to fiscal year 2021-22 for the same purpose.