Next question: OK economy is expanding, but many residents don't have skills. What are best ways to connect jobs with people.
Joe Exotic: Where I'm from, the economy isn't exactly booming. People can't get a ride to work. Big difference between city economies and rural economies. Teach people to function as normal human beings first before asking what business wants.
Barnett: Talks about hard time finding people to work because some are just applying to jobs in order to keep unemployment benefits.
Jones: learn from European model of apprentices and the trades. In agriculture, you could have apprentices too. Need a pipeline to train people for business.
Powell: Focus more on small colleges that will use apprentice programs and reducing barriers to work. Too much focus on certification rather than skills.
Edmondson: Also takes issues with "booming" economy. I hope recent uptick is a sign we will turn it around. We need to bring in new industry and have existing industry expand. Invest in STEM education and higher ed.
Lawhorn: Look to Swiss model and take training after 10th grade. Too many different areas in the economy for a college degree being the only path to a good job.
Stephens: More education will lead to economic growth. Our teachers are in a crisis, and that's not a good ad for companies looking to relocate.
Fisher: Too many remedial classes needed in college. We're not teaching work ethic. We need to get back to fundamentals. Match degree to jobs; some students go to trade schools and come out making $60k, $70k.
