MEDEIROS UNVEILS PLAN TO CREATE A STRONGER MIDDLE CLASS WORKFORCE
DARTMOUTH – State Representative Candidate for the 9th Bristol District and Licensed Electrician Ray Medeiros released his policy proposal to strengthen the middle class by promoting vocational education.
“I am proud to be a blue collar professional,” said Medeiros “We must have a workforce ready to be employed” I have a plan that will strengthen our education in present and future industries.” The first piece of legislation Medeiros will submit provides greater opportunities for students of vocational education and the employers who hire them.
“An Act Establishing a Consistent Funding Source in Vocational Education” is a revenue neutral bi-partisan bill that will promote reinvestment in technical education and vocational high schools. The commission will examine a number of ideas including the proposal by Medeiros to strengthen public-private partnerships to prepare a middle class workforce.
“I want to reward companies that invest 21st century technology in vocational schools and commit to hiring students. This tax incentive will ensure our children have the tools today to compete for the jobs of tomorrow, while requiring corporations that receive tax credits to have a long term commitment to our communities.”
Just last week there was news of 3,000 students in Massachusetts who will no longer be eligible for graduation because they could not pass the science MCAS test. “We need to move beyond the ‘teach to the test’ model and ensure our children have the skills they need to compete in a 21st century workforce, said Medeiros. That is why I will be a strong supporter of the proposed MCAS voc legislation that will establish strong but fair graduation requirements for vocational students.”
“If this financial crisis has taught us anything, it is that we must rely on those who manufacture wealth to strengthen the middle class.. It is not enough to speak to the challenges of those pursuing a vocational education. I have a plan in place to support these students and create long-term, good paying jobs in our area.”
My three-point Vocational Education plan is listed below
· Create a Commission to examine the challenges facing Vocational education
· Reward companies that invest in our Vocational Schools and commit to hiring their graduates
· Create separate but stringent MCAS voc requirements for our Vocational students
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Ray Medeiros is a candidate for State Representative for the 9th Bristol District, a lifelong Dartmouth, MA resident and a licensed electrician. Being part of the working class allows Ray to have a new perspective, a perspective that Beacon Hill desperately needs.