Brad Lager's Capitol Report for March 9, 2011

Education Creates Opportunity

Every layer of government is now focusing on doing their part to revive our economy and grow jobs. While many politicians want to spend the taxpayer’s money picking winners and losers through financial incentives, I maintain the belief that a more comprehensive, long-term approach is needed. Although there are numerous factors that must be addressed in order to create new economic opportunities in Missouri, there is nothing we do that is more important than supporting and enhancing our state’s educational system.

The world and our economy look dramatically different than they did just a few years ago, and they will continue to evolve in the years ahead. Missouri’s students deserve an educational system that looks to the future while striving to equip them with the tools they will need to be successful in life. I personally believe this learning process begins at birth and never ends. We must establish a strong foundation during a child’s most formidable period, foster a dynamic and seamless progression throughout their formal educational years, and ultimately create lifelong learners.

Now more than ever, the General Assembly must remain focused on the programs that provide the greatest long-term benefits to the citizens of Missouri. Therefore, the education of our children must be our state’s top priority. To create new economic opportunities and sustainable economic growth in the future, we must do everything possible to strengthen the educational opportunities available to Missouri’s citizens. I believe that an adaptable, well-educated workforce should be the cornerstone to our state’s comprehensive plan for economic growth.

Our actions define our priorities, and we must do everything possible to protect the funding of our schools while pursuing innovative methods to give our students every possible opportunity to compete and win. Long term, sustainable economic growth requires a highly educated, well trained workforce and our educational system must help our students meet these standards. Through hard work, determination, and dedication, we will keep our commitment to our children’s education thereby cultivating and creating an economic environment that fosters new economic opportunities for Missouri’s future.

As always, please feel free to call, email, or write with your ideas or concerns. The Capitol number is (573) 751-1415, my email is brad.lager@senate.mo.gov and my mailing address is Room 422, State Capitol Building, Jefferson City, MO 65101.