Bill in Nebraska Unicameral looks to expand access to trade schools

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – On Tuesday, Nebraska lawmakers could pass a bill making it easier for your student to attend a trade school.

Demeria Bruce has owned Fulton Homes Education Center in Millard since 2020. They are an accredited postsecondary school providing training in the healthcare industry.

Since the pandemic, she says the need for certified healthcare workers is growing.

“A lot of people are getting older so healthcare workers are really tremendous right now,” said Bruce. “Home healthcare, hospitals, especially geriatrics, working in long term care, stuff like that.”

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg is optimistic LB 748 can help fill a crucial need for skilled labor in the state.

“These are jobs that are needed in Nebraska and to expand 529 to use those funds for those types of education purposes is just great,” said Spellerberg.

If passed, 748 would match federal changes to 529 plans by raising the amount you can use per year from $10,000 to $20,000 for K-12 education.

“That starts in January of 2029 and at that point you will be able to use those dollars for tutoring, books, for other things associated with your education,” explained Spellerberg.

The bill would also allow for that money to be used for trade schools. The hope is to get more people certified in a trade to fill gaps in many industries around the state.

“It is not just a 4 year university, its not just a community college now. It’s looking what the future workforce looks like in Nebraska and making sure those dollars that you save can be used to fill the jobs that we have.”

It is something that will help folks like Demeria Bruce get more students certified.

“I think the proposed bill is really going to help out because that short term education would really help people especially now,” said Bruce. “If they have bills and stuff like that they can come and get their certification and get out there and start to work.”

First Alert 6 spoke with Denise Magill who owns Quality Career Pathways. She agrees the bill is a great step in getting more people into the workforce.

“What LB 748 does is a great way for people to figure out through a certificate if this is the career path that they want to go before they continue to invest more and commit more financially,” explained Magill.

Magill tells First Alert 6 says these certificates are just the tip of the iceberg and could lead to more programs becoming available.

“We have been exploring mental health certificates and things to advance just to build upon even more,” said Magill.

Demeria Bruce tells First Alert 6 Fulton Homes is also expanding its programing later this year. She is partnering with Non-Stop Development to include training for the construction industry.

LB 748 will hit the legislature floor for a final reading Tuesday morning. Lawmakers will vote to pass the bill after debate.

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