Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced that legislation he authored to help provide more training and workforce development so employers can find skilled workers passed the Assembly A.8107. The measure creates the Strategic Investment in Workforce Development Program to better address New York’s workforce needs and help close the skills gap.

“Far too many jobs go unfilled in New York simply because there aren’t enough workers properly trained for them,” Bronson said. “This measure ensures we’re providing the training and education to help people find good-paying jobs and rewarding careers, while boosting local businesses and the economy.”

As chair of the Legislative Commission on Skills Development and Career Education, Bronson has consistently fought to increase investments in workforce development programs statewide. The Assembly allocated $10 million in its one-house budget for workforce development initiatives, but the proposal did not make it into the final budget. Bronson drafted legislation would establish the Strategic Investment in Workforce Development Program within the state Urban Department Corporation, which would collaborate with the state Department of Labor, Department of Economic Development and Department of Education, as well as the State University of New York and the City University of New York, to identify the state’s workforce needs and provide training and skills development. This helps unemployed and underemployed individuals find good-paying jobs while ensuring employers have access to skilled workers, Bronson noted.