Mar 4 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Patrick Malone The Pueblo Chieftain, Colo.



A proposal to fund training for "green jobs" was passed by the House on Wednesday, despite arguments that it feeds the national debt.

Federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act would pay for the programs proposed in HB1333, sponsored by state Rep. Ed Vigil, D-Alamosa.

The bill calls for creation of a pilot program lasting two years, which makes available grants for training people in wind, solar, renewable energy and energy-efficient industries.

It calls for creation of a nine-member Green Jobs Colorado Advisory Council to administer the program. Its progress would be evaluated by the Department of Labor.

 Vigil said entities such as community colleges, employers, economic development organizations and Youth Corps could apply for the funds. He said residents of the state who would benefit from the program range from young people new to the work force who could establish themselves in the fledgling green-energy trade, and displaced workers looking for a new career path with a promising future. Rep. Buffie McFadyen, D-Pueblo West, echoed Vigil's praise for the idea.

"This is not just about kids, it's about adults who are out of work," she said. "It's supposed to help people get back to work."

The bill would create 1 1/2 full-time positions in each of the next two fiscal years. It calls for $478,890 of expenditures in the fiscal year 2010-11 and $276,55 in 2011-12. After administrative costs, $566,660 would be available for training grants.

It is estimated the bill would generate 34 green jobs in its first year and 17 in its second.

In opposition to the bill, Rep. Larry Liston, R-Colorado Springs, argued that those numbers don't justify "creating bureaucracy."

"Quite frankly, it's a waste of taxpayer money," Liston said. "If taxpayers knew this was how their ARRA money was being spent, they'd be up in arms."

Concurring with Liston, Rep. Spencer Swalm, R-Centennial, said, "We're talking about a program that will be totally funded by national debt."

The House passed the bill by a vote of 39-26 with the Southern Colorado delegation of Reps. Sal Pace, D-Pueblo; Tom Massey, R-Poncha Springs; Wes McKinley, D-Walsh; McFadyen and Vigil all voting in favor.

Its next stop is Senate committee.

pmalone@chieftain.com

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