The Missouri Chamber of Commerce and industry is backing several pieces of legislation to help recruit and retain first responders.
HB 1527, sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis), would make public safety personnel and their dependents eligible for the Fast Track Workforce Incentive Grant with no income restrictions.
Championed by the Missouri Chamber, Fast Track was passed into law in 2019. The financial aid program addresses workforce needs by helping Missouri adults pursue a certificate, degree or apprenticeship in a high-demand field.
During a hearing before the House Emerging Issues Committee, Christ said, “This is a really good way to support first responders. It’s a profession where we’re seeing massive shortages of personnel.”
Missouri Chamber Manager of Governmental Affairs Cade Tremain testified in support of the bill, calling it a proactive step to stabilize and grow the first responder workforce in Missouri.
“The Missouri Chamber published a report, Safer Missouri, Stronger Missouri, and it covers the workforce struggles faced by first responders in our state,” Tremain said. “Offering this type of tuition program will have a ripple effect on our workforce. First responders will see that the state is investing in them and their families.”
The Missouri Chamber also testified in support of HB 1514, sponsored by Rep. Dave Hinman (R-O’Fallon), and HB 1525, sponsored by Rep. Brad Christ (R-St. Louis). These bills establish the First Responder Recruitment and Retention Act, which would give first responders and their children free college tuition.
Under the act, responders and their children could receive a tuition waiver for up to five years. The first responder would be required to pursue an associate degree or bachelor’s degree that relates to their career as a first responder.
A companion bill, SB 71, is sponsored by Sen. David Gregory (R-St. Louis County).
For more information, contact Tremian at ctremain@mochamber.com or (573) 634-3511.
