SPONSOR: Shields
COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "Do Pass by Consent" by the Standing Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development by a vote of 11 to 0.
Currently the Missouri Community Service Commission is under the Department of Economic Development, this bill moves the Commission under the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development(DHEWD) and authorizes the staff of DHEWD to work with the Commission.
This bill is similar to SB 1663 (2026).
PROPONENTS: Supporters say that this work program was established in 1994 and receives federal grant money in addition to money from the State. Currently, this program is under the Department of Economic Development; it would be beneficial to move the program to the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development in order to realign and provide capacity for additional resources and program experts in areas like financial aid, scholarships, grants, apprenticeships, and job retention. The reasons for the transfer make sense and DHEWD is committed to making sure that every Missourian is empowered with the skills necessary for success.
Testifying in person for the bill were Representative Shields; Leah Strid, Missouri Department of Higher Education & Workforce Development; and Arnie Dienoff.
OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.
Written testimony has been submitted for this bill. The full written testimony and witnesses testifying online can be found under Testimony on the bill page on the House website.
Statutes affected: