U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced new legislation that would prepare Ohioans for the jobs of the 21st century through investments in workforce development. Brown announced his introduction of The Building Student Success Act, aimed at improving retention at community colleges. On Tuesday, President Obama gave a major address on community colleges, calling for 5 million more community college graduates by 2020.

 

``It`s critical that Ohio`s workforce is prepared for the jobs of the 21st century,`` Brown said. ``This legislation will ensure Ohio workers have the right resources for a competitive job market. Workforce development and economic growth go hand-in- hand.``

 

Brown is working to address the disparity between high unemployment rates and a shortage of skilled workers for many emerging industries. Despite Ohio`s 10.4 percent unemployment rate, there is still demand in today`s labor market for skilled workers. This is particularly true for ``middle-skill`` jobs that require more than a high school degree but less than a four-year college degree. These jobs make up nearly half of America`s labor market and provide good compensation for workers.

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