Op Ed: State Senate Candidate Genevieve Davis on Unemployment

The following was written by State Senate Candidate Genevieve Davis.  The Norwell Democrat will challenge the incumbent State Senator Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth) in November.

The unemployment rate in Massachusetts crept up for a second month in September. This is unacceptable when there are currently unfilled jobs available because of a growing gap between the current workforce skills and the workplace needs.

My work as the Chief Financial Officer at the New England Board of Higher Education has made me a participant in the ongoing dialogue that exists between employers and colleges, mostly community colleges, to close this skills gap. This conversation understands that many mid--‐level unfilled jobs do not require a four‐year degree. We need to expand pathways for individuals who are in or returning to college to take a certificate program or a two‐year associate degree that gives them the skills needed to successfully apply for work in our ever-evolving workplace.

Massachusetts is rich in institutions of higher education and our district has several excellent colleges nearby. Massasoit Community College will soon have expanded program offerings at a site in our district that focuses on marine and environmental studies. This is an excellent opportunity to create vibrant college and business partnerships to attract new businesses to locate here.

Through my work I know the key participants in this very important movement. When I am senator, I will bring the dialogue that already exists between employers and higher education to our district and expand it within our state.

When elected, I will work hard to get people back to work and get those who are underemployed back to the level of employment they deserve.

Genevieve Davis
Democratic Candidate for State Senate in Plymouth and Norfolk