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Representative Richard Adams...
Education is
Fundamental to Growing Ohio’s Workforce
We were successful in creating jobs in Ohio in the past year. The
economy is shaping up and people are getting back to work. Now that
Ohio’s job market is beginning to expand, there are steps that we must
take to ensure that it continues to grow. As we continue to explore and
expand Ohio’s job market, this trend increases the need for on-the-job
training. All of the work that went into attracting new
employment opportunities falls to the wayside if Ohioans are not
properly trained to fill these positions.
The state of Ohio is uniquely endowed with several top-notch
universities, community colleges, and career centers. The legislature
is eager to partner with these colleges, universities, and schools to
implement programs that will provide the necessary on-the-job training
Ohioans need. This can be accomplished through a working
partnership that centers on equipping these institutions to provide the
necessary training without unnecessarily burdening them with outrageous
demands. The partnership between education and job market expansion is
crucial to Ohio’s future success.
Granted, a partnership with the colleges, universities, and schools in
Ohio is just one step in the process. The process begins much earlier
than that. Grooming a successful workforce does not begin at 18 years
of age, but rather in elementary, middle, and high school classrooms
across the state. Education must be a priority at every level if we are
going to ensure that Ohio’s workforce does not fall behind the curve in
an increasingly competitive job market.
Unfortunately, many of our schools are in desperate need of better
funding in order to remain fully operational. It is a problem plaguing
many school districts in the state, and the legislature is taking steps
to address it. With overhead costs and salaries chipping away at school
budgets, little money is left to invest in the classroom and the
students. This is a problem that we cannot afford to ignore. That is
why, during the coming year, the state legislature will be holding
hearings throughout the state, inviting parents, teachers and
administrators to share their thoughts and insights as to how the
system can be improved.
It is important that this issue is afforded due diligence. Though the
matter is pressing, rushing the process could result in even bigger
problems later on. That is why we are being intentional in taking this
issue to the communities to gain input and develop solutions. We are
committed to carefully sifting through this complicated issue so that
no aspect of this problem is overlooked. Ironing out the school funding
issue is vital for the future of Ohio’s youth and the future trajectory
of our state.
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