Assemblyman Andy Goodell voted earlier this year in support of the Women's Workforce Development law.
The legislation was strongly supported by the YWCA, the American Association of University Women, and state Sen. Catherine Young, R-C-I-Olean. It was recently signed into law by Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The Women's Workforce Development law provides women job seekers with information and services that will help increase their earnings by encouraging them to seek higher paying jobs and careers that have traditionally been dominated by men.
"This critical piece of legislation marks recognition by New York state's policymakers that we must take intentional steps as a society to combat the gender wage gap and poverty among New York's women," said Beth Oakes, YWCA of Jamestown executive director.
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Andy Goodell
Kathleen Colby, former president of the AAUW Jamestown branch, said in a letter to Goodell that the Women's Workforce Development bill "is an important part of the continuing efforts to address the issue of pay inequality. Jamestown AAUW deeply appreciates your support of women in their quest for economic equality."
Goodell said he has been a longtime supporter of women. As County Executive, several of his top departments were headed by women, including the first woman county attorney, the director of emergency management, the county home administrator, the budget director, and several other key staff.
"I always seek the very best person for each position, regardless of gender," Goodell said.
His chief of staff, Elisabeth Rankin, has a master's degree in business administration and heads constituent services.
As county executive, he supported the creation of the Chautauqua County Day Care Council, which continues to provide valuable services to families. As Assemblyman, he also voted for several legislative initiatives to help victims of domestic violence.
"Contrary to recent misguided political attacks, I fully support equal pay for equal work, the availability of life saving mammograms and cancer screenings for women, and the right of a woman to make her own health care decisions," emphasized Goodell. "I have been incredibly blessed on a personal and professional level to be surrounded by smart, competent women."
Goodell is the father of three daughters. His wife, Lisa Goodell, holds a master's degree in public administration and is the executive director of the Chautauqua Blind Association.
"I am proud to support important initiatives like the Women's Workforce Development law," Goodell said. "As Assemblyman, I will continue to work closely as a team with Sen. Young to address these and other important issues in the state Legislature."