Lt. Gov. Newsom’s Economic Development Plan is Important Contribution to Job Creation

Statement by California Labor Federation Executive Secretary-Treasurer Art Pulaski

“With the release of his economic development plan today, Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom has offered an important contribution on the issue of job creation, a top priority for California families. The report offers a roadmap on critical issues the state needs to address to lift our economy out of recession and put Californians back to work.

“Newsom rightly identifies higher education and job training as key areas the state needs to focus on to rebuild a thriving economy. Public investment in those areas is critical to success. We built one of the most dynamic economies the world has ever seen by investing in a higher education system that became the envy of the nation, sparking the innovation that defined the California economy for decades. Budget cuts and rising tuition are undercutting our economic future. Any focus on economic development must include strategies to raise the revenue necessary to create a skilled, educated and highly-trained 21st century workforce.

“Infrastructure and manufacturing are also areas that must be central to job creation. We’re encouraged that the Lieutenant Governor has placed emphasis on these areas as part of the state’s economic development strategy. The California economy can only succeed if we’re creating high-road jobs that will rebuild our middle class. Good jobs mean more money in the pockets of workers that flows back into local economies and businesses.

“We agree with the Lieutenant Governor that a shared commitment to job creation between government, labor and business is necessary to success. The California labor movement looks forward to fully engaging with the Lieutenant Governor and Governor to put Californians back to work and restore our state’s promise.”

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