WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT

I believe we need to diversify Florida’s industries in effort to expand the number of high-skill, high-wage careers in our state. We must also work to increase educational and vocational opportunities for Floridians pursuing alternative career paths. As the Democratic Leader, I supported the following proposals:

Invest in Florida’s public and private university research centers to attract high-level faculty and research projects.
Create vocational academies within Florida high schools to provide students not seeking higher education with the skills necessary to enter the workforce.
Establish a trust fund to allow businesses to partner with neighborhood high schools to provide increased job training and experience before graduation.