LEGISLATURE 2023-24: How we can turn today’s worker shortage into opportunities for tomorrow (REP. DAVE PAUL)
State Representative Dave Paul (D-Oak Harbor) sent this email to constituents from his legislative account on Wed., Feb. 1, 2023.
Dear neighbors,
This week, I’d like to talk to you about filling workforce shortages, which are affecting individuals, communities, and industries throughout the 10th District and across Washington state.
This isn’t a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans both know that worker shortages are a huge problem for our families and businesses—and that finding smart solutions will create jobs while boosting critical services in every corner of Washington state.
Turning the worker shortage into opportunity
Here in the 10th District and throughout Washington state, we face a housing crisis, healthcare shortages, and businesses who can’t find skilled workers.
Part of the solution is giving the students of today the skills they need for these high-demand, high-pay jobs. I’ve introduced legislation to expand dual-credit options, so more students have workforce training opportunities and access to higher education while still in high school.
I’m also working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to give every student in our public schools a pathway to the advanced skills they need for a high-paying job after graduation. That’s not always a four-year degree.
Putting more of our students on this career path would not only help fix the worker shortage in critical industries—it would dramatically change the lives of these students, giving them access to careers with great salaries and benefits.
We must increase collaboration between K12 educators, apprenticeship programs, community and technical colleges, and employers. And we need to do a much better job helping K12 students learn what their career options are.
I’m working with legislators, educators, and industry partners to create regional partnerships that do just that.
Another part of the solution is to cut red tape that is preventing people from entering certain professions or recently retired professionals from returning to work. For example, I’m pushing reforms to make it easier to earn or renew a Commercial Driver’s License without compromising safety.
Keep in touch
Please watch for upcoming announcements about coffee chats in the 10th District. After years of virtual meetings, it’s refreshing to be able to meet face-to-face.
We won’t agree on every issue—no two people do—but I always learn something at our district events, and I am forever impressed with the kindness and creativity of the people of the 10th District.
