Governor Bentley Named Vice Chair of the National Governors Association Education and Workforce Committee

MONTGOMERY—Governor Bentley on Saturday was named vice chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) Education and Workforce Committee by NGA Chair Utah Governor Gary Herbert and NGA Vice Chair Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe during the 2015 NGA Summer conference in West Virginia.

The Education and Workforce Committee handles issues dealing with education related to early childhood, K-12 and postsecondary as well as workforce development. Members of the committee ensure that governors’ views are represented in the shaping of federal policy.

“Education and workforce development are very important issues to me, and I look forward to serving on the NGA Education and Workforce Committee,” Governor Bentley said. “Alabama has made significant strides in preparing students for success in college and their careers. As governors, we are uniquely positioned to influence federal legislation and regulations that affect education and workforce policies. I look forward to sharing Alabama’s success in the area of workforce development with other governors.”

In 2014, Governor Bentley created the Alabama Workforce Council to advise and support members of the State School Board, the Chancellor of the Alabama Community College System, presidents of Alabama’s four-year institutions and the Superintendent of the Department of Education on ways to more closely tailor the state’s workforce education programs with the workforce needs of new and existing Alabama business and industry.

During the 2015 Regular Session, Governor Bentley supported and signed legislation aimed at streamlining workforce development efforts across state government, creating a one-stop-shop for job creation and meeting industries’ needs.

Founded in 1908, NGA is the collective voice of the nation’s governors and one of Washington, D.C.’s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 55 states, territories and commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices.

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