Preparing today's workforce for the jobs of tomorrow

By Brooks Mountcastle

Preparing today's workforce for the jobs of tomorrow One of the most critical issues facing our region, state, and the nation is job creation and retention. We must work tirelessly to develop a robust economy that focuses on the clean energy jobs

Preparing today's workforce for the jobs of tomorrow One of the most critical issues facing our region, state, and the nation is job creation and retention. We must work tirelessly to develop a robust economy that focuses on the clean energy jobs so the employees of today are "career-ready" to compete on the economic playing field and grow with new trends in industry. We must optimize our place as a leader in the emerging marketplace of renewable energy, energy efficiency, and green technology.

The Pew Center on the States ranks Pennsylvania 3rd in the nation for green job creation. This is a distinction worth celebrating. Drawing upon my experience on alternative energy issues and the environment in Pennsylvania, I will help build upon the Commonwealth's accomplishments in the green market.

I will advocate aggressively for state and federal dollars to train workers to have the necessary skills to compete in the green market place that creates sustaining jobs in home building, manufacturing, commercial construction, transportation and other areas. I will support efforts to attract more energy efficiency initiatives, and alternative and clean energy projects that bring long-lasting income, jobs, and communities to the Commonwealth.

Supporting unions I will work with labor unions to protect workers rights, ensure competitive wages and benefits, and support workers' abilities to keep up with the changing workplace.

Small business development I will support low interest loans and incentives for small businesses to make it more attractive for businesses of all sizes to become part of the community and share in the profits of industry and green technology.

Lowering energy costs One of the highest costs of production that business incurs is energy. I will advocate for policies and funding that will help to lower the energy cost for businesses by investing in efficiency, alternative fuels, and advances in technology. This will yield benefits for the bottom line and will help businesses reduce their carbon footprint in the eventuality of government policies that allow the banking of carbon credits.

These types of policies can lower consumer costs by lowering the cost of production for business.

Urban Revival

Our cities are the lifeblood and economic drivers in Pennsylvania. From Philadelphia, to Harrisburg, to Pittsburgh, and smaller cities in between, they all face their own set of challenges; confronting them we must.

Cities provide places for people to live, work, worship, and play, and they also serve as a source of pride, identity, community, and family for those who call them home. We must hold this fabric together and continue to mend the problems of crime, decaying properties, homelessness, failing schools, high unemployment, and neglected children.

I will encourage more community involvement by helping to promote and advocate for neighborhood watch programs, art centers, educational mentoring and tutoring facilities, job training and employment centers, and community based health care facilities.