Lancaster – Republican gubernatorial candidate Tom Corbett today announced the third key component of his economic development and jobs plan at Pennsylvania Career Link of Lancaster County. Speaking to unemployed Pennsylvanians who are looking to go back to work, Corbett explained how his plan will create good, family-sustaining jobs.
Corbett detailed “Developing a World-class Workforce,” a plan that works to restore Pennsylvania’s position in the global marketplace. On Monday, Corbett released the second part of his economic development plan, “Reforming Pennsylvania’s Jobs Climate,” before southeastern Pennsylvania business and industry leaders. In the coming weeks, Corbett will be traveling the state detailing separate aspects of his seven-point economic development and jobs plan, which includes:
- Expanding Pennsylvania’s Economy Through Innovation
- Reforming Pennsylvania’s Jobs Climate
- Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Regional Economies
- Growing Small Business in Pennsylvania
- Harnessing Entrepreneurial Leadership from Higher Education
- Developing a World-class Workforce
- Expanding Pennsylvania Worldwide
Tom Corbett has seen firsthand how the economy has impacted Pennsylvanians. With the Commonwealth’s record unemployment numbers, Corbett knows it’s time for things to change. “Nothing is more critical to ensuring the economic vitality of Pennsylvania and to securing good-paying jobs for Pennsylvania families than the development of an educated workforce that meets the demands of the marketplace,” said Corbett.
The highlights of the plan include:
- Improving cooperation and performance among the Departments of Labor and Industry, Public Welfare and Education; changing an outdated system to eliminate redundancy and government waste and improve efficiency and interagency cooperation to help Pennsylvania employers and jobseekers.
- Strengthening regional workforce development initiatives through the workforce investment boards (WIB’s); Maximizing the potential of WIB’s by encouraging private-sector involvement, maintaining local control of WIB’s by allowing local elected officials to be more involved and holding each board accountable to their goals.
- Aligning education with opportunity; working to connect the education and business communities to identify jobs that are needed and preparing workers for these opportunities; facilitating communication among government, educators and business to determine which jobs are in-demand; supporting manufacturing growth through education; encouraging broad educational opportunities.
- Maximizing opportunities through community colleges and alternative educational institutions.
- Reengaging high school dropouts
- Recruiting college graduates back to Pennsylvania by creating adequate networks and resources; helping our returning Veterans find jobs by ensuring access to training and services.
Tom Corbett is determined to revitalize Pennsylvania’s economy and reduce unemployment. With the wealth of resources in the Commonwealth, from agriculture, an established manufacturing base and a dynamic mix of major corporations and small businesses, the opportunities are there to put Pennsylvanians back to work. Corbett feels giving workers the tools needed to succeed will be the key. “Most often, it is the availability of skilled workers that becomes the deciding factor in the location and growth of industry,” said Corbett. “If Pennsylvania is to reclaim its place as a leader in our global economy, we must do a better job of preparing our workforce for the careers of the future.”
Pennsylvania businesses and industries are a crucial part of the state’s economy and Tom Corbett’s economic development plan. Because of that, he has been personally visiting businesses around the state and has been discussing with them what the Commonwealth needs to grow and keep jobs here in Pennsylvania.
Tom Corbett’s detailed plan to expand Pennsylvania’s economy through innovation is attached and is available online. For additional information about Tom Corbett and his vision for Pennsylvania, visit www.tomcorbettforgovernor.com.
