Bill > A08988

This bill enacts the "Workforce Development Consolidation Act," which transfers the Office of Strategic Workforce Development from the Department of Economic Development to the Department of Labor. The legislation aims to streamline and improve workforce training programs by consolidating fragmented services across multiple state agencies. Key provisions include transferring all existing workforce development program functions, employees, assets, and liabilities to the Department of Labor, ensuring that transferred employees retain their current job classifications and salaries. The bill establishes new responsibilities for the Office of Strategic Workforce Development, including administering consolidated programs, developing a unified application system, creating an applicant tracking system, establishing performance metrics, launching a public awareness campaign, and prioritizing training in high-growth industries. A transition task force will be created to oversee the transfer, and the office will be required to submit an annual report detailing program outcomes, award totals, and regional distribution of workforce development efforts. The legislation is motivated by a desire to enhance efficiency, improve accessibility, and better align workforce training with the evolving needs of New York's economy, ultimately making it easier for job seekers to access training and for employers to find skilled workers.

Business and Industry

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8988