Photo Gallery
Montpelier, Vt. - May 23, 2007 - Governor Jim Douglas signed into law a bill providing $12 million for a new scholarship program and other workforce development measures.
Governor Douglas said the "Next Generation" bill, one of his top priorities and a key piece of his Affordability Agenda, represents two years of hard work by his administration, the Legislature, and a large number of stakeholders.
This bill reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more innovative economy,. the Governor said. "Higher education is essential to providing our young people the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century economy, and this bill ensures that the dream of a college education is within reach of more Vermonters than ever before. In fact, this is technically the first time state funds have been used to capitalize a scholarship program, further emphasizing the importance my administration, and now the Legislature, has placed on this essential need".
The bill also strengthens the link between employers and Vermonters who seek high wage, high skill jobs in our state; provides more money for workforce training programs; and expands a loan forgiveness initiative for Vermonters pursuing health care careers, the Governor said.
