Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced that legislation he authored to establish a wage data clearinghouse to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of workforce development programs in the state passed the Assembly (A.2164-C).

“We can invest in workforce development programs and we should, but those investments are only worthwhile if the initiatives they’re going to are actually effective,” Bronson said. “If something isn’t getting results, then it’s only common sense that we’d move on and try something different. This legislation ensures we’re finding out what programs are effective so we can strengthen them, help more people get good jobs and spend taxpayer money wisely.”

The legislation would require the state Department of Labor (DOL) to partner with academic institutions across the state to analyze labor data and report on the effectiveness of workforce preparation programs. The clearinghouse would issue reports on wage data and how beneficial public education, public colleges, workforce development, preparation and adult literacy programs are in linking future workers to good jobs and career opportunities, as well as conduct further research on how the programs can be improved. As chair of the Legislative Commission on Skills Development and Career Education and a member of the Assembly Labor Committee, Bronson has been at the forefront of increasing opportunities so more New Yorkers can get the training and education needed to land good jobs and fill the skills gaps in emerging industries.