Gov. Butch Otter is calling for more partnerships in the state’s workforce training program. “You can expect to see more targeted use of grants for training employees not just for individual businesses, but for the market-driven growth of industry sectors that add value to Idaho’s economy,” he said. That’s an area the fund has ventured into just this year. “My focus on workforce development also includes more support for professional-technical education programs throughout Idaho,” the governor said.

“I’m impressed by the work our community colleges are doing – from the new Aerospace Center at North Idaho College to the Applied Technology and Innovation Center being built at the College of Southern Idaho. And they are eager to do more. So I’m asking for both one-time and ongoing investments in an Advanced Manufacturing Initiative at all three of them, plus Idaho State University, Eastern Idaho Technical College and Lewis-Clark State College.”

The governor’s proposed budget increase for community colleges next year is 9.2 percent in general funds. He’s proposing a 6.4 percent increase for four-year colleges and universities.