I recently joined Speaker Brian C. Bosma (R-Indianapolis) when he made a major announcement about our plan to help all Hoosiers own their American Dream. Our focus on jobs and education will propel us forward and make for a stronger Indiana for generations to come. Speaker Bosma outlined three main objectives to help us reach our goal.
Always one of our top priorities is to ensure financial security for future generations. House Republicans have a history of passing a balanced budget and living within our means. Indiana is one of nine states that have a triple-A credit rating. We will continue to eliminate wasteful government spending and make strategic investments and restorations.
We will also work on bridging the skills gap. A recent study found that 67 percent of manufacturing companies report moderate to severe shortage of available, qualified workers. Over half of these companies anticipate the shortage to worsen in the next three years. We will focus on improving career and technical education in high schools and increasing dual credit programs to prepare.
The job growth rate in Indiana has significantly outpaced the national rate of growth, nearly double, for the past three years. We have focused on cultivating a climate for job creation, and it is paying off. By bridging the skills gap, we will continue on this path of success.
Our third goal will be to focus on creating leaders in the classroom so that our students can be leaders in life. We will address key teacher shortages in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. In Indiana, these skills have stayed in demand even through the economic downturn. There are 2.4 science, technology, engineering and mathematics jobs for every one unemployed person. When it comes to early childhood education, 61 percent of Hoosier children (ages 3-4) are not enrolled in preschool. Only seven states have a higher percentage of children not attending preschool. We will put emphasis on early childhood education and expanded education opportunities for Hoosier families.
I look forward to working together to accomplish these goals and provide a brighter future for all Hoosiers and their families. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me by phone at 317-232-9620 or by email at h58@in.gov.
