Ortt Named as New Co-Chair for Senate’s Task Force on Workforce Development

Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I – North Tonawanda) has been appointed as the new co-Chair of the Senate’s Task Force on Workforce Development. Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan made the announcement this morning.

The Task Force aims to improve employee readiness; better meet the workforce needs of private sector employers; connect job seekers with potential employers; retrain those who have lost jobs; and help make New York State’s overall economy more robust and resilient.   

Senator Ortt said, “Workforce development has been a key focus of mine and I look forward to continuing the work of my Senate Republican colleagues, who have been at the forefront of this issue. By educating, training, and cultivating skills among our students and employees, we can help ensure that we meet a 21st century global economy with a 21st century workforce.”

Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan said, “Senator Ortt has long been a champion for Western New York businesses and will use his wealth of military and local government experience to lead the Task Force. He will continue the Senate’s successful efforts to create better opportunities for our state’s workers by identifying, enhancing, and maximizing the resources available to meet the needs of new and existing employers.”

Established in March 2015, the Senate Task Force on Workforce Development is charged with comprehensively reviewing the state’s existing programs designed to train both and job seekers and existing employees for current and future employment opportunities. 

Senator Ortt will lead the Task Force alongside co-Chair Senator George Amedore (R,C,I – Rotterdam) to continue to work with leaders in business, labor, education, local governments, and workforce training and development to create meaningful legislation. Through their leadership, the Task Force will examine, create, and help implement initiatives that strengthen the state’s economy by training individuals for in-demand job opportunities.