Press Releases

Washington, DC – U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) today will have Frank Stento of the International Union of Painter's and Allied Trades (IUPAT), and Ashley Gamba of Community Options testify at a House Small Business Committee hearing. The hearing will examine workforce development strategies.

Rep. Molinaro will chair the hearing, which begins at 10am and can be viewed here.

Frank Stento is a skilled craftsman who completed a registered apprenticeship program in 2016, offering him a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience. He is now the Business Development Director for IUPAT District Council 4, which represents 2,000 workers in the Southern Tier and Central New York. He helps attract new members and connects current members with work opportunities. 

Ashley Gamba is an Executive Director with Community Options in Binghamton, a nonprofit organization that provides housing and employment support for individuals with disabilities. Prior to this position, Ashley was the New York State Director of Employment Services, overseeing vocational services in Binghamton, Syracuse, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens. She has been an advocate for individuals with disabilities for over 18 years.

Rep. Molinaro said, "I'm excited to have Frank Stento and Ashley Gamba in Washington today to share their perspectives. Through our Think DIFFERENTLY and Broome County’s Next Chapter initiatives, we have been working to create an economy that offers good-paying job opportunities for every person of every ability. I look forward to hearing their testimony on how we can build on our work in Broome County and across Upstate New York.”

Frank Stento, Business Development Director for District Council #4 of the IUPAT said, “The construction industry as a whole faces challenges with workforce demand but with that comes opportunities. An abundance of projects on the horizon thanks to the CHIPS Act and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act means contractors will be looking at improved methods to recruit & retain skilled labor for years to come. There is no better way to address that need than through an earn while you learn Registered Apprenticeship Program. I look forward to sharing my experience and connecting with our leadership in Congress to address ways to build a more robust workforce. Rep. Molinaro has been a steadfast supporter of the Building & Construction Trades Councils in his district and together we will find solutions towards these workforce challenges.”  

Ashley Gamba, Executive Director for Community Options in Binghamton said, "The unemployment and underemployment rate for people with disabilities is significantly higher than people without disabilities. Community Options is proud to collaborate with the small business community to provide meaningful opportunities for people with disabilities to enter the workforce, helping to create inclusive environments where everyone can thrive."