U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., has proposed the Urban Jobs Act of 2011 authorizing the Secretary of Labor to allocate grants for urban workforce programs.
The bill would serve as an amendment to the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and would fund initiatives developed by nonprofit organizations to prepare at-risk youth (ages 18 to 24) for employment through workforce training and job-placement programs.
“This legislation helps young men and women from urban communities become a part of the economic mainstream; and, in the process, provide the business community with motivated job-ready workers,” said Westchester County Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins, in response to the bill.
In other youth employment news, Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a Summer Jobs Express program that will connect businesses with 16,500 workers age 14-21 for summer employment.
The U.S. Department of Labor will provide $5.5 million for qualifying businesses and organizations that hire a youth for five weeks or more between June 13 and Sept. 30; the state Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance will fund $15.5 million as appropriated in the 2011-2012 state budget for Summer Jobs Express.
Cuomo administration appointments
Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the following appointments and nominations to his administration.
Fernando Ferrer was nominated to be a member of the board of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He served as Bronx borough president from 1987 to 2001.
Benjamin Lawsky was nominated for superintendant of the Department of Financial Services. He currently serves as chief of staff and previously served as deputy counselor and special assistant to then-Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
John Milgrim was appointed deputy inspector general for public affairs. Most recently, he served as director of special projects. He previously served as press secretary for then- Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
Jonathan Scheffer was nominated to be a member of the Council of the Arts. Scheffer is a conductor and composer who founded the Eos Orchestra.
James Wrynn was appointed deputy superintendant of financial services. Most recently, he was superintendant for the New York State Insurance Department.
Planning projects, officials recognized
The Westchester Municipal Planning Federation will honor former Commissioner of Planning Gerald E. Mulligan and a number of projects at the 38th annual awards dinner at Whitby Castle in Rye June 2.
Scenic Hudson will receive a regional commendation for the Revitalizing Hudson Riverfronts plan, which touts development of municipal centers adjacent to transit centers with existing infrastructure to improve public access.
