The Massachusetts chapter of the National Federation of Independent Businesses today said Gov. Deval Patrick’s plan to increase the role of community colleges in workforce development is “laudable,” but described it as “putting the cart before the horse.”
Bill Vernon, state director for NFIB, said in a statement that government should first focus on lowering the cost of job creation and retention and reforming the state’s “punitive” tax and regulatory systems.
Patrick’s plan, announced during a state-of-the-state address Monday, caps an increasing call for the state to partner with community colleges in addressing the skills gap some employers say they are encountering in trying to fill certain positions.
Eric Rosengren, president of the Boston Federal Reserve, during a visit to Worcester over the summer called for community colleges to do more to address unemployment levels. College presidents have said they would welcome more state funding for their workforce development efforts, but have also cautioned against a weakening of local control.
