Three bills sponsored by state Rep. Julie McCluskie, (D-Dillon) that would affect Colorado’s workforce and prepare students for careers advanced out of the education committee on Wednesday, April 13.

The bills would invest $90 million of federal funds into the priorities and boost funding for primary schools by $80 million each year to help improve special education programs.

One of legislative items, House Bill 127, focuses on special education priorities.

H.B. 1350 would create a new regional partnership that plans to address workforce shortages and develop talent that employers in the area need in order to grow their businesses, McCluskie said in a statement.

The third bill, H.B. 1215, would expand secondary, postsecondary and work-based learning experiences in order to save students money as they pursue their education and prepare for high-demand industries, she added.

The only bill to receive a dissenting vote was H.B. 1215. The others passed out of committee unanimously.

The bills now move toward a full House of Representatives vote. Each bill will need the backing of the Colorado Senate and governor’s signature to become law.