DeLissio Hearing Focuses on Retraining Unemployed

State Rep. Pamela DeLissio (D-194) says jobs are out there, but that citizens need help qualifying for positions.

"There are good-paying jobs available in southeastern Pennsylvania," DeLissio said in a news release. "However, many unemployed or underemployed citizens do not possess the skills to obtain these positions."  

The state House Democratic Policy Committee will hold a hearing Wednesday at , 215 Belmont Ave., Bala Cynwyd, to focus on workforce retraining.

DeLissio, who represents portions of Philadelphia and Montgomery Counties, called the hearing and will co-chair it.

"The focus of the hearing will be retraining and the development of new career pathways," DeLissio said. "With the wide economic shifts in the last few years, we need to assure that citizens can avail themselves of appropriate resources to prepare for the opportunities that exist today and will be created tomorrow."

The committee will host hearing throughout Pennsylvania so citizens can offer input to lawmakers, DeLissio said. 

"The state of the economy remains at the forefront for most people and ongoing shifts in the job market make it imperative that we understand workforce issues," she said.

Representatives from several local organizations are scheduled to speak on three panels, including:

• Gerald Birkelbach—Montgomery County Economic and Workforce Development—and Meg Shope Koppel—Philadelphia Workforce Investment Board;
• Suzanne Holloman—Montgomery County Community College—and a representative from the Community College of Philadelphia; and
• David Taylor—Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association—and Bernard Dagenais—Main Line Chamber of Commerce.

DeLissio will host public hearings on back-to-back weeks. Officials from the freshman lawmaker's office said she will hold a hearing on the budget May 24 from 4 to 7 p.m., also at West Laurel Hill.

The May 16 meeting is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon.