The legislative agenda for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry includes workforce development, cyber security and COVID-19 vaccine-freedom.
Although Missouri had recouped more than 80% of the jobs lost during the pandemic, more needs to be done, according to Kara Corches, vice president of governmental affairs with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce of and Industry.
“Workforce development is a huge priority of ours,” she said. “Every business is feeling that workforce shortage and skills gap crisis and needs to be making the most of every available worker possible.
The Missouri Chamber is asking the legislature to reauthorize the Fast Track program, which provides scholarships to adult Missourians who decide to pursue degrees, credentials, or certificates in popular industries.
“It's gotten anywhere between $6 and $10 million,” Corches told the St. Louis Record. “Each year is different depending on the budgetary outlook. There is also a change, which would allow fast track funds to pay for apprenticeship related costs. That is another aspect that we really appreciate as Missouri right now is number three in the nation in apprenticeship. We want to continue that trend and continue to expand access.”
Another Missouri Chamber legislative priority is SB 674 introduced by Sen. Lincoln Hough (R-Greene County), which would enhance cybersecurity protection for businesses in response to a growing number of cyberattacks.
“It would establish a one-time financial grant program with a cap of $10 million,” Corches said. “We know that businesses are victims and at threat for cyber-attacks today more than ever. After putting put up some match money so that businesses have skin in the game, the grants would cover hardware or software relating to a business’ cybersecurity protection, and even training employees in cybersecurity and threat prevention.”
A third priority is related to COVID-19 vaccinations with the Missouri Chamber vowing to oppose legislation that forbids employers from exercising their right to require that their workers are vaccinated against COVID-19.
“We applaud the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn the Biden mandate that requires employers to require vaccines,” Corches added. “The Missouri Chamber is against all governmental mandates related to vaccine policies. There are 30 bills already filed that are circulating right now in the legislature. Our position is to let businesses decide.”