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National Association of Counties (NACo) President Don Stapley has reappointed Santa Fe County Commissioner Harry Montoya as chair of NACo’s Labor and Employment Steering Committee for 2008-09.  “On behalf of the nation’s counties, I am pleased and grateful that ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­Commissioner Montoya will be shaping national policy as chair of NACo’s Labor and Employment ,” said Stapley, supervisor, Maricopa County, Ariz. “He will continue to be a great asset to the nation’s counties on these important issues.”

The committee is responsible for developing NACo policy regarding federal legislation and policy pertaining to employer-employee relations, including personnel policy and practice; merit systems; equal employment opportunity; collective bargaining; pensions; fringe benefits; occupational safety and health; workers' compensation and Social Security. All matters pertaining to employment programs and the jobs aspects of welfare reform including youth employment; public service employment; vocational education; migrant and Native American programs; rural manpower; employment security; and unemployment insurance.

NACo’s steering committees annually review and make recommendations to the NACo Board of Directors on public policy issues and federal legislation.  The policy development process initiated by the steering committees leads to the publication of the American County Platform, which NACo uses as a guide to deliver the county government message to the administration, Congress and the American public.

“Growing up and working in Northern New Mexico has given me a unique perspective” said Commissioner Montoya, “I understand the value of hard work and the role employment plays in building communities.  And I know, firsthand, the devastating impact a lack of good jobs can have.”  Montoya, a member of NACo’s Board of Directors, also sits on the Rural Action Caucus and Audit Standing Committee.

The National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the United States .  Founded in 1935, NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties.  NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public's understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research, and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money.  For more information about NACo, visit www.naco.org.