Editorial: Longer days, brighter future
We've all heard it. There's just not enough skilled labor in Massachusetts.
We're not talking about uber-educated doctors and lawyers. Rather, the commonwealth has a dearth of post-secondary educated individuals to fill the estimated 20,000 jobs that require a two-year degree.
That means there are 20,000 less people currently paying state taxes and supporting local businesses than there could be in a perfect world - and that number will only grow if our economy is going to expand.
Gov. Deval Patrick made a bold proposal last week that is a step in the right direction to getting at least some of those 20,000 workers prepared for jobs. Among other thoughts he outlined during his June 1 speech at the University of Massachusetts-Boston graduation, the governor proposed providing free community college education to all high school graduates in the state.
The 10-year plan, which also includes longer school days and earlier pre-kindergarten instruction, shows a willingness on the part of Patrick's administration to attack one of the bigger problems facing the Bay State. An economy will wither and die without a good supply of workers - the lifeblood of business. Taking on the responsibility to prepare future employees for the 21st century economy is something that the Massachusetts Legislature, and all Massachusetts businesses, can and should get behind.
For all that this plan promises, as always, there are significant costs. An estimated $1 billion (yes, that's "b" as in billion) per year for the entire project, according to published reports (Patrick has yet to officially come out with a price tag).
The detractors (and they are out already, even though the plan has yet to fully flesh out) point to this as the defining measure of the plan. They make a compelling argument, pointing out that there are already many education priorities under-funded through the current property-tax reliant system.
"How can we afford, let alone think about, this large a change?" the detractors ask.
That's a tough question, but the reality is nobody lives where they can't find opportunity. And towns that don't have citizens won't need to worry about tax rates.
The cost of living in Massachusetts is already high. Although housing prices are expected to continue their slide through the second quarter of 2008, according to a recent study by the New England Economic Partnership, the authors of that study also say the decline in prices is not nearly enough to end the state's affordable housing crisis. While Patrick's proposal doesn't address the housing crunch - which is also a major obstacle to businesses trying to attract and retain workers - it does address another significant obstacle to economic growth - affordable education.
While we support Patrick's education plan, we're not advocating free reign for the governor on higher education spending. Businesses and citizens alike need to make sure that the right priorities are set and the burden is distributed fairly. There will need to be diligent oversight to ensure this doesn't become another great idea smothered by the benevolence - and bureaucracy - of our elected officials.
With the right package, free community college is a good plan for Massachusetts. Kudos to Patrick for being bold enough to propose such a sweeping change and to have the foresight to see a major long-term weakness that needs to be addressed. Let's not wait too long to make it a reality. The future of Massachusetts, including its innovation economy and high standard of living, depend on it.
WBJ Web Partners
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