(Austin)--The Internet's role in workforce training and connecting employers and potential employees is the focus of Texas Comptroller Carole Keeton Rylander's e-Texas public hearing April 18 in San Antonio. The e-Texas workforce task force public hearing will run from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Greater Kelly Development Authority Boardroom, Suite 6, 143 Billy Mitchell Blvd.

"The Internet can speed up recruitment and hiring, and result in improved efficiencies and better operations," Comptroller Rylander said. "Its use also changes the relationship between the employer and employee in a fundamental way with less face-to-face interaction.

"This hearing will help us learn about the implications for large and small businesses as well as state government. I encourage folks to come out, listen to our experts, and give us feedback on the issues they think are critical to improving the state's workforce system."

Sonceria "Sonny" Messiah-Jiles of Houston, the e-Texas workforce task force commissioner, will lead discussions on retraining the Texas workforce, employee partnerships, and the role of technology in the workforce system.

Panelists include: Troy Bullock of Irving, product development manager for jobs.com; Paul Roberson of San Antonio, executive director of the Greater Kelly Development Authority, and Rick Levy of Austin, legal director for AFL-CIO.

The hearing is part of Comptroller Rylander's e-Texas citizen commission, which is charged with developing recommendations to help Texas state government meet the challenges of the Internet Age.

Those who cannot attend the hearing can make suggestions on improving the state's workforce system at: <http://www.e-texas.org>.