SACRAMENTO—Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) today reappointed Barton Florence to the eight-member Employment Training Panel.

“Barton Florence has put his impressive job training background to good use as a member of the Employment Training Panel,” Speaker Núñez said. “This reappointment will enable him to continue his important work helping to create a California labor climate that can address our state’s needs in the years to come.”

Barton Florence, 47, has been involved with the International Union of Operating Engineers, Stationary Engineers, Local 39 since 1992, serving as a business and district representative. He has been actively involved with Joint Apprenticeship Committees, both with the private sector and with the State of California. He is a registered Democrat.

The Employment Training Panel is a statewide economic development program to suppor the overall California economy by ensuring that employers have the trained workers they need to compete in the global economy. They will establish a three-year plan that will be updated annually, maintain a system to monitor economic and other data required, solicit proposals and write contracts, develop a process by which local workforce investment boards may apply for marketing resources for the purpose of identifying local employers that have training needs, and coordinate and consult with business groups and labor organizations. Members are paid a $100 per diem plus necessary traveling and other expenses. Florence’s term will run through January 1, 2010.