Bobby Jindal Corner: Leading The Nation

Dear Friends –

New economic data were released yesterday showing that more than 42,000 jobs have been created in Louisiana over the last year. Indeed, the new data show that we are among the top ten states for private sector job growth over the past year. The new report also noted that 26 states saw their unemployment rate increase over the past month, while Louisiana's unemployment rate has dropped over the last month. This is certainly a positive sign, but we are not going to become complacent. We know that we need to aggressively foster an environment where businesses want to invest and create jobs. That's why we're laser focused on pursuing policies that will create a more skilled workforce and better business climate. This week we made a major announcement that will make sure our people have the skills needed to get good-paying jobs. As theAssociated Press reported, we announced a $13.9 million commitment to build a Center for Excellence in Auto Technology at Baton Rouge Community College. The center will be a training ground for people who want careers in the auto industry, and it will also fill a current void in the auto industry for more skilled workers. The new facility will be part of our technical and community college system, which is a critical pipeline we must invest in to make sure we have the best trained workers in the world. We also made a major transportation funding announcement this week. As the Baton Rouge Advocate reported, we are investing $12 million to widen a critical business and medical corridor in Baton Rouge. This is an area heavily traveled by folks who live or work in Baton Rouge. It's also an area that has seen significant economic development and is undergoing a major hospital expansion which will help improve graduate medical education and provide better healthcare to our people. As we continue to pursue more economic development opportunities, it's important that we have the infrastructure to support the growth. The bottom line is that Louisiana is on the move and our economy is growing, but I want you to know that we won't stop here. We've made great progress, but we will not stop working until Louisiana is the best place in the country to live, raise a family and start a business.