Vermont Business Magazine Speaker Jill Krowinski today presented an $84 million proposal to invest in higher education, scholarship programs, workforce development initiatives. The University of Vermont, the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, the Vermont State Colleges and Primary Care Physician and Nursing Scholarship Programs would be the recipient organizations. See detail below.
Krowinski issued the following statement: “I am pleased to announce that, after weeks of testimony and collaboration with community partners, we are announcing an $84 million higher education, scholarship, and workforce development package that stabilizes our higher education system and provides opportunities to Vermonters to further their career or begin the journey towards new employment.
“This package is in addition to the $93 million year-over-year investment in our state college system, and creates additional workforce development training programs, and further invests in scholarship programs for Vermonters.
“We recognize the critical need to support Vermonters in recovering from the pandemic and the crucial role that starting or augmenting their careers can have in that process. Our Vermont business community has long stated the need for skilled employees, and this is one way we can help Vermonters attain gainful employment and connect them with our business community. There were many important voices in developing this package, but I would like to acknowledge Representative Peter Fagan and his efforts to make this momentous proposal come together.
“Since the beginning of this legislative session, I have said that we need to commit to policies and initiatives that work toward the long-term recovery of Vermont, and this is one way we can help working families and our business community come back stronger than ever.”
Highlights of the proposal:
University of Vermont
- $2,000,000 one-time for the Office of Engagement
- $2,200,000 one-time to hold room and board level funded
- $3,000,000 for COVID-19 research
Total - $7,200,000
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation
- $500,000 one-time for Advancement Grants for three years
- $300,000 one-time for Aspiration Grants for three years
- $1,900,000 one-time for 802 Opportunity Scholarship for three years
Total - $8,100,000
Vermont State Colleges
- $5,000,000 added to base for increase support
- $20,000,000 for transition costs over four years
- $20,500,000 workforce development initiative targeted at critically needed occupations over three to four years
- $21,000,000 one-time to address operating costs
Total - $66,500,000
Primary Care Physician and Nursing Scholarship Programs
- $2,000,000 to 3,000,000 spent over two to three years
Total Package: $83,800,000 - $84,800,000
Source: Montpelier, Vt. – Speaker Jill Krowinski 3.16.2021