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Legislature backs motion supporting Casadega Job Corps after public pleas; residents warn closure would hit county jobs and students
Summary
The County Legislature adopted a motion supporting Casadega Job Corps. Public commenters testified that closure would cost the county $17 million annually, eliminate roughly 100 jobs and leave about 190 students without housing and training; speakers urged federal action to preserve the center.
The Chautauqua County Legislature on June 20 carried a motion supporting the Casadega Job Corps after legislators debated whether to allow such motions on the floor.
Legislator Larson introduced the motion saying Casadega Job Corps is uniquely important to the county; he and other supporters argued that closure would directly harm local employment and workforce training. Legislator Scudder and others said they would support the motion despite concerns about the use of motions in the legislative calendar.
During the second privilege of the floor, multiple residents addressed the legislature about Job Corps. Rachel Brown, of Greenhurst, told legislators the program contributes "$17,000,000 annually" to Chautauqua County, said about 100 local jobs would be lost if the center closed and said 190 enrolled students would lose access to training, housing and health care. Brown alleged a Department of Labor report used misleading COVID-era data to understate Job Corps’ outcomes and cited higher local starting wages for graduates.
Stephanie Nick, of Falconer, said her son completed Job Corps, described it as a “last chance” for some students and said recent shutdowns left graduates stranded without housing. Both speakers asked legislators to support the program and conveyed testimonials from employers and community organizations.
On the floor, supporters including Legislator Nelson emphasized that Job Corps provides vocational and academic pathways for students who do not fit traditional schools. After brief discussion, the motion in support of Job Corps was carried by voice vote.
The motion expresses the legislature’s support; it does not direct county funds or create a binding contract with federal agencies. Speakers asked federal officials and the Department of Labor to change course to preserve the center; the legislature’s action is a formal expression of support.
