House Higher Education and Workforce Development Committee
Key Moments
Chris Brown — As chair, explains the committee will try to executive the bill today or as soon as possible and takes responsibility for the notice issue.
Sherri Gallick — Vice Chair Sherri Gallick was marked present during roll call and later voted aye on House Bill 2896.
Stephanie Hein — Stephanie Hein was called during roll call, marked present, and later recorded as voting no on House Bill 2896.
Stephanie Hein — Stephanie Hein asked questions about the bill, saying it seemed timely and then following up on how the money would work if the bill passes, including whether any FTEs would move with the program and whether some budgeted programs in the Department of Economic Development were disconnected from core economic development priorities.
Stephanie Hein — Referenced as possibly knowing more about the funding details.
Bill Allen — Bill Allen was called during roll call and then recorded as voting aye on House Bill 2896.
Chris Brown — Chris Brown, serving as Chairman, opens the Committee on Higher Education and Workforce Development meeting, is acknowledged in roll call and votes aye on House Bill 2896, is addressed by others as Mr. Chairman, and continues presiding by thanking a presenter and asking committee members if they have questions.
Chris Brown — Referenced by the witness as someone who knows her.
Willard Haley — Willard Haley was called during roll call and later voted aye on House Bill 2896.
Willard Haley — Referenced as continuing to work to move the statute in line with the 2019 workforce reorganization.
Pattie Mansur — Pattie Mansur is called during roll call, votes aye on House Bill 2896, and later speaks in support of the bill, noting AmeriCorps' value in Kansas City.
Raychel Proudie — Raychel Proudie was called during roll call and again during the roll vote, though the vote outcome was not clearly captured in the transcript.
Bruce Sassmann — Bruce Sassmann was called during roll call and then recorded as voting aye on House Bill 2896.
Bruce Sassmann — Representative Bruce Sassmann was referenced in a lighthearted remark, then immediately asked a substantive question about the size of the budget that accompanies the commission.
Brenda Shields — Called during roll call and marked present.
Brenda Shields — Voted aye on House Bill 2896.
Brenda Shields — Identified as the sponsor and speaker introducing House Bill 3279.
Brenda Shields — Representative Wilson directly addresses Brenda Shields and then notes that she has already covered many of the reasons the proposed change makes sense, effectively reinforcing her earlier points.
Brenda Shields — Provides follow-up answers: there are seven FTEs and about $10 million in federal money associated with the commission.
Kem Smith — Kem Smith was called during roll call and again during the roll vote, with the transcript not clearly capturing the vote outcome.
Melanie Stinnett — Melanie Stinnett was called during roll call and again during the roll vote, though the transcript does not clearly capture her vote.
Bob Titus — Bob Titus was called during roll call and again during the roll vote, though the transcript does not clearly capture his vote.
Travis Wilson — Travis Wilson was called during roll call and the roll vote, and his vote was ultimately recorded as yes on House Bill 2896.
Travis Wilson — Travis Wilson briefly comments on the bill, noting he had been in the economic development world when the change was made and recalling the earlier reorganization. He says he supports the proposal and wonders why it was not done sooner. He then follows up with a quick question about whether he can decline inquiries, and adds a joking aside about how the department should be referred to, comparing it to a Wayne’s World-style pronunciation.
Dale Wright — Dale Wright was called during roll call and later responded 'Aye' on House Bill 2896.
Leah Strid — Leah Strid, Director of External Relations for the Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development, testified in support of House Bill 3279. She explained that the commission and volunteer program help connect volunteerism with workforce development by building skills and creating opportunities that support educational and career success, including pathways such as grants, scholarships, and apprenticeships.