There is a misconception that high unemployment translates into a job shortage. Rhode Island continues to struggle with high unemployment, but I have heard from many companies that are hiring. Their biggest challenge isn’t opening up positions – it’s finding people to fill them. Unemployment and the skills gap are not mutually exclusive challenges, and there are steps we can take to help address both.
I was also pleased to support passage of the Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act (WIOA). This law allows local workforce investment boards to tailor services to the employment and workforce needs specific to each state, ensuring high-quality training programs and coordinated services are available in every corner of our country.
High unemployment is a problem that must be tackled on multiple fronts. To learn more about my work on career and technical education, workforce development or other issues, visit my website, and follow me on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.
Sincerely,
Happy Anniversary, ADA!
July 26th marked the 24th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, one of the most significant and comprehensive civil rights laws of our time. The ADA has increased access and inclusion, and diminished injustice and discrimination. As we celebrate progress, though, we must acknowledge that more work must be done. I will continue to advocate on behalf of people with disabilities and I look forward to the day when we can celebrate further milestones on the path to global equality.
Spotlight on Business
Our economy has faced significant challenges over the past 10 years, but far too often, the focus is on the negative. For all of the bad-news headlines we read, there are many more untold stories of what happens when the entrepreneurial spirit thrives. Rhode Island is home to many extraordinary companies and I want to highlight their stories. This month, I will embark on a tour to see firsthand how these companies are succeeding and to get their ideas on how we can make our state a better place to live and work.
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