Creates the technology employment community hub (TECH) centers program to award grants to community colleges for skills training

1 Co-sponsor

• Pedro Espada Jr.

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to creating the technology employment community hub (TECH) centers program

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this legislation is to create the Technology Employment Community Hub Center (TECH) Program.

Summary of specific provisions

This bill would:

* Create the Technology Employment Community Hub Centers (TECH) Program, funded by the New York State Foundation for Science, Technology, and Innovation (Foundation); Establish that funding for such centers will come from appropriations made available to the Foundation for such purpose, or from appropriations for the research development program;

* Provide that such funding would be made available for the purpose of reconstructing, rehabilitating or improving existing laboratory facilities, including equipment, for institutions providing targeted educational, occupational or training services for those who are wishing to become more marketable to the workforce; and

* Authorize grants of up to $100,000 to be awarded on a competitive basis to community colleges responding to requests for proposals for such funding.

* The executive director shall submit to the governor, the speaker of the assembly and the temporary president of the senate a report on the program by the first of September, two thousand eleven and annually thereafter.

Justification

The legislature finds that significant employment opportunities exist in growing fields where complex technologies require advanced skills. Access to modern, efficient facilities and equipment will provide students with the ability to learn about, develop, and apply new technologies. Having access to these modern facilities and equipment will provide students with the knowledge and skill required for- employment in the ever-expanding high technology sector or in other sectors of the economy, including manufacturing and service, which utilize advanced, high-technology-related processes. The legislature finds that it is proper and essential for the state to support efforts that will provide students with updated and modern facilities and equipment where skills can be learned in a setting that best matches the work places for which students are being prepared. The legislature also finds and declares that a well-trained and skilled workforce will attract businesses seeking to enhance production, modernize or expand as well as start-up or relocate to New York State.

Prior legislative history

New bill in Senate.

Fiscal implications

None to the State.

Effective date

Immediately.