Topeka ? House Democrats are savoring a legislative victory in the progress of a proposal to set up a loan program for Kansans who want new job skills.

A bill before the Senate Commerce Committee would create work force development loans for student at the state’s community colleges and area vocational-technical schools. It would set aside $1 million in federal funds to start the program.

For each year recipients stayed and worked in Kansas, one-quarter of the loan would be forgiven. They wouldn’t have to pay anything back after working four years in the state.

“It is one of the really good things we’ve done this session,” said House Minority Leader Jim Garner, D-Coffeyville.

The original bill was sponsored by 19 House Democrats, led by Rep. Dennis McKinney, of Greensburg. The House Higher Education Committee amended it, then endorsed the proposal last week.

The bill slipped through the House two days later with bipartisan support. The vote was 108-14.

Work force training is one of five key objectives outlined for invigorating the state’s economy by Kansas Inc., an economic policy and research organization.

The group’s 2001 strategic plan recommended six work force policy initiatives, including greater support for job training programs.

Speaker Kent Glasscock said House members understand that having a skilled pool of labor is important to businesses and that “work force development will be the premier issue for Kansas business, probably, for the next 20 years.

“It is clear we need to train and retain Kansas workers so they can stay fully engaged in the Kansas work place as long as they desire,” said Glasscock, R-Manhattan.

Senate leaders have not had a chance to review the legislation, but they are receptive to it.

“I think we need to recognize the importance of the vo-tech schools,” said Commerce Committee Chairwoman Karin Brownlee, R-Olathe.