The Economic Security Cabinet was formed in 2007. It brings together more than 20 separate state agencies to provide a new focus on the needs of working families. All agencies have a role to play in ensuring the economic security of this population, but have never before been coordinated under a single mission. Agencies participating in the Economic Security Cabinet include: Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance; Department of Agriculture and Markets; Banking Department; Division of Budget; Office of Children and Family Services; State Education Department; Empire State Development Corporation; Department of Health; Higher Education Services Corporation; Division of Housing and Community Renewal; Division of Human Rights; Insurance Department; Department of Labor; Public Service Commission; SUNY/CUNY System; Department of Taxation and Finance; Office for Technology.

The Cabinet’s four objectives are to: reduce New York State’s high cost of living; establish educational and workforce development opportunities for a highly competitive economy; strengthen New York State’s social safety net and share economic risk; and bring good jobs to New York State communities.

Educational and Workforce Development opportunities are starting to be addressed through initiatives like the Advance New York program that provides funds for training which will result in higher wages for workers, and the Regional Economic Transition Strategy, which will help communities identify emerging industries and develop training to meet those businesses’ needs.