S5675

The New York State Senate passed S5675, sponsored by Senator Weber, an education law amendment promoting trades and vocational training in high schools as an alternative to college. The bill passed on a 56-0 vote. Supporters, including Sens. Martins, Mattera, and Borrello, argued that skilled trades offer middle-class wages and employment opportunities for students who do not pursue traditional college education. Sen. Martins, the son of a union carpenter, praised the bill for opening opportunities for students across New York State. Sen. Mattera, who attended a BOCES program and later entered the plumbing trades, called for expanded promotion of legitimate apprenticeship programs in the building trades. Sen. Borrello emphasized that businesses need skilled workers and that trades education is essential to retaining young people in New York State with well-paying jobs. The bill takes effect July 1.