Mayor Appointed to U.S. Conference of Mayors' Committee

Mayor Kathy Taylor was recently appointed by the U.S. Conference of Mayors to the position of vice chair of the Jobs, Education and Workforce Standing Committee. The committee has jurisdiction over all issues related to education, including reauthorization of the No Child Left Behind Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, Perkins Vocational and Adult Education Act and Higher Education Act. In addition, the committee considers all workforce development-related policy, including reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), Trade Adjustment Assistance and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). 

“We are pleased that Mayor Kathy Taylor will serve as the vice chair of the Jobs, Education and the Workforce Standing Committee of the U.S. Conference of Mayors,” said Tom Cochran, Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “From her experience as former Secretary of Commerce and Tourism in Oklahoma, to her service on the Oklahoma

Workforce Development/Employment Security Commission, Mayor Taylor has extensive experience in workforce development.” Cochran added, “She is uniquely qualified to serve the Conference in this capacity, and we look forward to her guidance and leadership as we work to build stronger programs that benefit communities across our great nation.”

The U.S. Conference of Mayors’ primary goal over the past few years has been to increase mayoral leadership and involvement in public education, particularly as it relates to high school reform and “No Child Left Behind” reauthorization. The U.S. Conference of Mayors also is dedicated to maintaining a locally driven workforce system which has been threatened by proposals to consolidate WIA funding streams into a single block grant to states for Career Advancement Accounts (CAAs).

“I’m honored to serve on a committee that is dedicated to making a difference in quality of life issues for our citizens,” Mayor Taylor said.

“As Tulsa experiences a new kind of energy, one not seen in many years, young people must be recognized as the torch bearers for great change. The education and employment of our young people,” she added, “is critical to the future success of Tulsa.”

For more information about the U.S. Conference of Mayors, visit: www.usmayors.org