Regardless of political affiliation, one thing that most folks can agree about is our need to rebuild our state and national economy and create jobs. How we do that is subject to much debate. In my opinion, it is simple: if we want to restore our economic dominance in a global market we must start with the next generation of Americans. We need to give them the skills and knowledge necessary to take on every other country and beat them hands down in technology and manufacturing, period.
I call the next generation the do-or-die generation. They will be charged with a daunting task: take on all foreign competitors and take no prisoners. No more goods manufactured in China lining our store shelves, no more middle east oil, no more unfair trade deals. This next generation will have no more an easy task than the young men and women who bravely stared down those aggressors in WWII who threatened our freedoms. This much is sure: we must put our differences aside in politics and focus on giving the next generation of Americans our full attention.
Legislators can do their part by empowering schools to grant Vocational High School Diplomas in addition to the standard diploma. My new legislation will allow high schools to come up with curriculum in specific fields, for example, welding, and allow a student to learn a trade and earn a vocational diploma while in high school. Different parts of our state would be free to develop area-specific vocations to offer their students. In western Wisconsin welding is big, in other parts of the state, health care and technology may dominate the local economy.
Vocational diplomas offer a fresh new look and a new perspective for Wisconsin schools. The time to try different educational models is now. If we are committed to manufacturing and industry and jobs in our state, and if we are committed to buying American-made products, then we as Americans need to look to the next generation of students, those in middle schools right now, as the key and give them what they need to succeed. Teach them a skill and they will deliver. They are the next generation of Americans and with our help they will restore economic dominance to our country again.
Respectfully, State Rep. Mark Radcliffe (D) Black River Falls
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