Issue Position: Competing in the Global Economy

Issue Position

The world is moving from an economy based on agriculture and manufacturing to one based on services and information technology. Some have called this new stage the "knowledge based" economy. America once had the lead in this field. However, due to tax breaks which rewarded outsourcing of jobs overseas, we are quickly falling behind. We must invest in our colleges and universities in order to restore our ability to compete in the global market place of ideas. I will promote "Education for All" as a way for the federal government to provide our communities with the training they need to compete in this rapidly changing field.

In particular, we need to provide better opportunities for the next generation. Younger people are currently entering the market place saddled with tens of thousands of dollars of debt from college bills they can not pay because they have no hope of getting a good paying job. I want to provide the kind of financial support for students which we provided 30 years ago so that students do not begin their careers burdened with massive debts. I also want to provide apprenticeship programs like they do in Europe to provide students with a way to transition from the academic world to the business world.

Our workers can compete in the global marketplace. But only if they are given a fair chance from a government that works with them rather than against them. The American people are the hardest working, most creative people in the world. Working together, we can restore our economy and rebuild our nation.

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