A bill to bolster programs that help Iowa workers of today and the future acquire new skills passed the Iowa Senate without a dissenting vote. Senator Craig Johnson, a Republican from Independence, says the bill will have “a huge impact” on the state’s economy.

 

Summer internship programs, new state financing for apprenticeships and mentoring for college students are all mentioned in the bill. While Democrats joined Republicans to support the measure, some questioned whether the G-O-P will follow through later with the money to make the programs run. Senator Bill Dotzler, a Democrat from Waterloo, promised to eat the cover of a book about the so-called “Future Ready Iowa” initiative if that money is provided.

 

The bill already passed the House unanimously last week and is headed to the governor for her signature.