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Assembly defeats motion to discharge bill creating sector-partnership workforce grants
Summary
A procedural motion to discharge Assembly bill A.1925, which would establish a sector partnership enhancement and reinforcement program for workforce-development grants, failed on a party-line floor vote, 45-98.
A motion to discharge the committee and bring Assembly bill A.1925 to the full floor for immediate consideration failed after a recorded vote of Ayes 45, Noes 98.
Sponsor and mover Assemblymember Maher presented the measure and described it as the "sector partnership enhancement and reinforcement program," designed to align economic development with workforce development. Maher told colleagues the bill would provide three primary tools: technical assistance for sector partnerships, grant opportunities that pair a 50% state grant with a private match structured as a 2-to-1 match, and "community college exploration grants" for schools looking to start or expand partnerships with local employers. Maher said the program would reward existing partnerships and incentivize private investment tied to community colleges and workforce entities.
Maher cited national models and labor-market data in support. He referenced Colorado as a model and said the bill would help develop emerging sectors, naming five areas he cited as receiving substantial investment: "artificial intelligence and machine learning, clean energy and storage technologies, health care technology, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, and robotics." He also referenced migration trends for Black and Hispanic New Yorkers and young people, arguing stronger local workforce pathways could reduce out-migration.
Supporters on the floor urged members to allow the measure an opportunity to be considered. Miss Walsh and another Republican conference member said the motion would bypass committee gridlock and allow the House to consider the merits. Opponents said committee process should be respected; Miss People Stokes reminded colleagues the proper route is through committee and urged a no vote on the procedural motion.
The clerk recorded the roll call: "Ayes, 45. Noes, 98." The motion to discharge was lost, returning the bill to the committee process.
Ending: The failed discharge leaves A.1925 in committee; its sponsor said the bill aims to leverage state grants and private matching funds to expand sector-aligned workforce training through technical assistance and community-college grants, but it will require committee action or another procedural path to reach the floor again.
