Advances in technology and a globalizing economy have brought us more than just an iPhone 7. In recent decades, the labor market has experienced a dramatic shift, and the U.S. has failed to adapt accordingly, leading to an economically devastating skilled worker shortage. Due to a misguided education system and public misconceptions, the labor market’s unprecedented need for highly skilled workers in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields is not being fulfilled, and U.S. manufacturing is suffering.
The U.S. Senate’s disappointing decision to delay action on legislation already passed by the House to modernize and reauthorize funding for the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act will only amplify the economic and workforce problems our nation is facing. The fact is, the longer it takes to resolve this issue, the more manufacturing companies across the country will pay the price.