Central Texas is a shining example of how the United States can restore the manufacturing and industrial power that is central to our defense industrial base and national security. A recent visit to meet with local and state officials showed that public-private partnerships can effectively overcome hurdles and obstacles to expand and restore industrial productivity, accelerate economic growth, create jobs, and improve military capabilities. It has become clear that it is possible to protect
Unfortunately, our visit also shows that the Biden-Harris administration's policies are hurting growth, hindering workforce development, suppressing employment, and putting our nation's defense industrial base and national security at risk. revealed.
Texas' conservative policies have raised real wages, grown the economy, and improved national security.
One of the main problems is that the United States is not training or educating its workforce to sustain the needs of its defense industry.
This is largely due to the federal government's massive subsidy of over $100 billion annually to universities through federal student aid, grants, and contracts. This significant support comes at the expense of vocational and vocational schools. When the federal government tries to funnel billions of dollars into the system to illegally forgive student loans and increase access to college without guiding students toward economically viable degrees and certifications; The situation will only get worse and will ultimately be to the detriment of the country.
America desperately needs more doctors, engineers, and scientists, but we also need welders and advanced manufacturing workers. Unfortunately, the federal government's permissive policies are discouraging millions of Americans who have no intention of training and completing a four-year bachelor's degree to enter the advanced manufacturing workforce. It would be better to redirect some of the federal education funding to teaching people in skilled trades.
Another good step would be for federal lawmakers to separate federal funding from higher education accreditation. Colleges must receive a “stamp of recognition” to access federal student aid funds. Although many universities are able to achieve accreditation, their academic program offerings remain inadequate.
The current system of “accreditation” favors existing, expensive business models for higher education, crowds out innovation and competition, and forces students to pay for individual classes and courses that are better suited to the job market. from pursuing higher education.
Reforms like the Higher Education Reform and Opportunity Act and the College Cost Reduction Act would provide much-needed accreditation reform, increase learning options, and lower costs.
In this regard, Texas is ahead of the curve. In 2013, under the conservative leadership of Gov. Rick Perry, Texas passed a “return-value formula” funding model. This model would evaluate and fund the state's technical colleges based entirely on student income and employment performance, rather than on their numbers. registered or various other factors.
This placed the onus on universities to ensure that their graduates had good job and high income potential, making them responsible for their graduates' success in the workforce. A focus on outcomes and metrics has resulted in higher wages and increased degree attainment in high-demand occupations. This should be replicated in states across the country to ensure taxpayer funds are used efficiently and provide a high return on investment for students. Doing so will deliver tangible results for both industry leaders and businesses by encouraging universities to align their programs with industry needs and focus on producing work-ready graduates. Sho.
This isn't the only way Texas can build a successful manufacturing ecosystem. In Central Texas, the Texas State Polytechnic University System and industry leaders are working together and talking to each other. Texas State Polytechnic University's campuses align curriculum to ensure the skills taught align with industry needs, increasing student employability and productivity. In return, the industry immediately hires the graduates and also donates training equipment.
Finally, programs under the umbrella of Texas Operation Welcome Home help provide workforce training and job placement to veterans who are leaving the military and transitioning into industry. These programs should be used as a model for other states and should be replicated in other states to encourage employment of veterans in high-paying jobs.
While the Biden-Harris administration is raising prices, stifling economic growth, and threatening national security, Texas' conservative policies will raise real wages, grow the economy, and improve national security. are. Texas is a shining example of success across the nation, and other states should follow suit.
