Monday, February 11, 2008

Relying on False Prosperity?

The false prosperity that Michigan enjoyed for many years has ended. High wage jobs that require low (or no) skills are disappearing and will soon be obsolete.

Is prosperity in Michigan's past? Will it come back? No one can polish the crystal ball and gaze into the future, but studies make it increasingly clear that education is the key to a vibrant economy. And we are not talking about a high school diploma here folks.

In the Grand Rapids/Holland area, 24.3% of adults have attained a bachelor's degree. That is simply not good enough. Michigan's rate if 24.5% - or .2% higher than West Michigan.

I don't know what the answer to this problem is, but I'm fairly certain that throwing more money into education isn't going to be a significant help. I'd also like to know how many local students obtain bachelor's degrees and then move out of the state?

In other words, is this an education problem? Or a job availability problem? By spending more and more money on education are we just educating future workers for the rest of the 49 states?

Makes you wonder doesn't it?

More statistics available here. . . . .

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