Epstein questions on staff capacity and worker transitions

Thank you, Chair, and thank you, Speaker.

Can I just ask about the six staff?

You said they are working in other industries.

What percentage of their time are dealing with horse issues for the six staff?

I don't have a percentage of time.

I would estimate it's probably equivalent to one FTE.

One FTE for all the horses.

Great.

Thank you very much.

Carlos, can I talk about the transitions?

You flagged the concerns about making sure there's sufficient worker protections in this transition.

When you say that, when you say worker protections, do you mean helping them transition to a new industry or transition into a related industry just without the horses?

I think it's really about securing outcomes for the workers.

So I think a transition into employment, I think, is something that we'd be interested in exploring.

I know it's come up in our conversations with labor partners.

I know the bill already contemplates workforce development, for example.

Right.

So I think that's what we're referring to.

So workforce development, but it could be in this industry, like tourism, or within a separate industry?

Is that what you're flagging?

I think, well, I think part of that conversation needs to happen with workers as well in terms of what industries they want to be moving into.

And, yeah, I think that's an important question for them.

I think we are certainly open to facilitating what outcomes they need.

And what is your timeline for that?

Just so, obviously, this is a pressing issue.

Fortunately, we've already just had a lawsuit.

Of life.

So are you thinking that conversations are going to be happening in the next couple of weeks?

I think the conversations are already happening on this, and I think the timeline will have to align with the prospective timeline for this bill to engage in the legislative process.

All right.

Thank you very much, and thank you, Chair.

I do, Chair.

I just want to clarify my comment on our staff was about our health inspectors.

There are other staff who work on this industry as well, reviewing documentation, and as I mentioned, our equine veterinarians.

Yeah, one full-time equivalent of person going out.

For the health inspector.

I just want to make sure that was clear.

Thank you.

Helpful.

Thank you.

Councilmember Wilson?