On Wednesday, the House adopted a resolution that could increase transparency and accountability in the hiring of state workers.
House Concurrent Resolution 76, sponsored by Rep. Ed Osienski, would require DHR to compile a report of their current 18-month study reviewing college degree requirements across more than 10 state agencies for the General Assembly.
“Removing barriers that prevent qualified candidates from filling state positions is a commonsense win-win solution, said Rep. Osienski, D-Newark. “I’m thrilled that this resolution passed the House unanimously and that just this afternoon, Governor Carney announced the state has implemented changes to mandatory bachelor’s degree requirements for certain positions.”
“As we move forward with these changes it’s important that we’re guided by data and accountability. That’s why I’m looking forward to seeing this resolution pass in the Senate tomorrow and reviewing the final report.”
HCR 76 aims to provide the General Assembly with information from the complied report and begin creating a pathway for individuals who lack a college degree but have relevant work experience or competency-based training to access opportunities in the state workforce.
“While earning a college degree can help provide job candidates with knowledge and experience in a given subject area, the attainment of a college degree shouldn’t be the only qualification we’re willing to consider when it comes to hiring and promoting state workers,” Senate Majority Leader Bryan Townsend said. “The report that the Department of Human Resources will prepare as a result of this resolution will help the General Assembly’s efforts to enhance our state’s recruitment and retention efforts through a more inclusive pathway that provides equal weight to work experience, skills, and training where appropriate.”
Additionally, the resolution instructs DHR to report on the job requirement changes already made to more than 350 Family Service positions in the Department of Services for Children, Youth, and their Families and the Department of Health and Human Services. A review of the current practice’s impacts would allow for recommendations for similar degree requirement changes to jobs in other state agencies and departments.
The resolution directs a comprehensive written progress report be presented to the General Assembly on or before December 31st, 2024.
