Friday, May 1, 2009

New Secretary of Labor Confirmed by Pennsylvania State Senate

The Pennsylvania Bureau of Labor and Industry, the administrative body that oversees workers' compensation and unemployment in Pennsylvania, recently announced that Sandi Vito will formally take over as Secretary of L&I effective April 22, 2009. The Bureau issued a press release announcing the appointment, which we have reprinted below:

Senate Confirms Sandi Vito as Pennsylvania Secretary of Labor & Industry
HARRISBURG – Sandi Vito, named by Governor Edward G. Rendell to serve as Secretary of Labor & Industry, was confirmed today by the Pennsylvania Senate.
Vito is Pennsylvania’s 32nd Secretary of Labor & Industry, and the second woman to hold the post.
“Sandi has done a tremendous job as acting secretary of Labor & Industry, especially during these challenging economic times,” Governor Rendell said. “I am pleased that members of the Senate, in their vote to confirm Sandi, have shown the same confidence I have in her.”
As secretary, Vito oversees the commonwealth’s fifth-largest agency, employing approximately 6,000 employees in 200 offices. L&I serves many worker and business interests through a variety of programs and initiatives, including unemployment and workers’ compensation, labor law compliance and vocational rehabilitation.
In addition, the department’s workforce development initiatives help Pennsylvanians obtain skills needed for in-demand jobs, and keep businesses competitive in the global economy.
Prior to being named acting secretary last year, Vito served as deputy secretary for workforce development for five years. She helped to reform the commonwealth’s workforce development system and expanded employment and training opportunities in high-skill, high-wage jobs.
“I am honored by the Senate’s vote of confidence,” Vito said. “Pennsylvania is facing significant economic challenges, but L&I is determined to help people find and maintain employment and provide the valuable services that workers and businesses need. I look forward to continuing to work with the General Assembly to carry out our mission, revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy and strengthen our workforce."

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