House. Keystone Commission on Education for Employment in the 21st Century
biographical statement
On January 25, 2001 House Resolution 16 was referred to the Rules Committee. Representative Jess M. Stairs was the prime sponsor of House Resolution 16. The resolution was prompted by concerns expressed to House Republican Majority Leader John M. Perzel about the lack of skills exhibited by incumbent workers and job applicants as well as the out migration of skilled workers to other states. Representative Perzel coordinated the drafting of the resolution and was instrumental in its adoption by the House of Representatives.
HR 16 established a twenty-seven member bipartisan Commission to examine how best to improve linkages between the Commonwealth's education and business communities in order to enhance the State's economic growth and development. The Commission consisted of representatives from state government, the business community, organized labor, and the various sectors of education. The chairman of the House Education Committee, Representative Jess M. Stairs, was appointed to serve as chairman.