Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced his legislation to require the state Department of Labor (DOL) to create and maintain a catalogue of funding programs for workforce development and preparation, adult education and skills training programs was signed into law (Ch. 458 of 2017).

“Specialized skills and training can put more New Yorkers on the path to a good-paying job and rewarding career,” Bronson said. “This database will help programs that connect workers with effective training reach more people and help them move forward.”

The DOL will be required to publish and post a complete listing of state and federal funding programs and tax credits for skills training, adult education and workforce development and preparation. Among the details listed for each funding description will be the name of program and administering agency, description and purpose of the program, eligibility requirements, and program contact information.

As both chair of the Legislative Commission on Skills Development and Career Education and a member of the Assembly Committee on Labor, Bronson has worked to foster a skilled workforce in New York State. Currently, many businesses have vacant positions due to the lack of qualified candidates. Providing training and education opportunities and connecting skilled workers with good-paying jobs will lift more people out of poverty, strengthen our businesses and improve our economy, Bronson noted.