HB 322 – Expands JET grants

HB 322 would allow JET grant funds to be used not just for tangible classroom equipment, but also for technology systems and their ongoing upkeep. While intended to modernize career training programs, the bill opens the door to spending taxpayer dollars on vague “technology solutions” without clear limits. This risks shifting resources away from direct student tools toward bloated administrative or tech consulting expenses. Expanding the scope of the grants dilutes their original purpose of directly equipping students for high-demand jobs. It could also create a recurring taxpayer obligation for maintenance costs, straying from the one-time investment model of JET. This bill weakens accountability and invites mission creep within a program originally designed for targeted benefits.