Patzkowsky Advances Oklahoma Career Tech Education Bill
Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky, R-Balko, secured the passage of a bill on Wednesday to create the Oklahoma Workforce Education Partnership Revolving Fund. House Bill 3181 specifies that occupational data will determine the appropriate uses for the fund. "Investing in our future means investing in education," Patzkowsky said. "House Bill 3181 goes beyond expanding CareerTech education; it addresses the skilled workforce shortage in our state." Under the measure, the Legislature can appropriate funds. The resources will then be used to target critical needs of career technology education programs in the state. Patzkowsky said the Oklahoma Workforce Education Partnership Revolving Fund can help Oklahoma's skilled workforce meet growing business demands. HB3181 passed the House 92 – 4 and now moves to the Senate, where Sen. Murdock, R-Felt, authors it.