Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) expressed his deep disappointment that a bill he sponsored to provide state funding to educational institutions, not-for-profits, industry public-private partnerships and individuals for the training and certification needed to enter the field of advanced manufacturing has been vetoed by the governor (Veto No. 492 of 2014).

“Unfortunately, too many jobs currently remain unfilled because the local workforce lacks the proper training,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “That’s why I will continue to push for this critical initiative in 2015.”

Assemblyman Stirpe’s legislation passed the Assembly in March with the goal of helping close the “middle-skills gap.” Oftentimes, positions require education beyond a high school diploma, but different training and certification than a four-year degree. Many federal and state programs provide funding to traditional higher education institutions, but there is a lack of aid for middle-skills education, Assemblyman Stirpe noted.

Specialty training courses in advanced manufacturing can run upward of $5,000 each, deterring many from pursuing careers in these fields. At the same time, only 42 percent of upstate manufacturing employers feel there is an adequate supply of local workers who have the necessary training and skills to fill open positions,¹ where the average worker can earn over $60,000 per year. ²

“These are the kind of stable, good-paying careers that people need to support a family,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Training would ensure our local workforce has the skills needed to compete for these in-demand jobs that are fueling the new economy.”

Assemblyman Stirpe is committed to strengthening Central New York’s economy and creating better opportunities for our families right here at home. That’s why he helped secure $600,000 in funding for an advanced manufacturing pilot program for Central New York which is being facilitated by CenterState CEO.

Assemblyman Stirpe noted that the advanced manufacturing initiative would build upon the investments the state has made in manufacturing – which supports nearly 500,000 jobs in New York³ – including eliminating the income tax for manufactures, slashing their property taxes by 20 percent and lowering the corporate tax rate to its lowest level since 1968.

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1. co.jefferson.ny.us/Modules/ShowDocument.aspx?documentid=10286

2. labor.ny.gov/stats/ins.asp

3. Ibid.