As an educated workforce is the key to a competitive workforce, one of my goals is to foster an environment where students can get the best education possible that fits their individual life goals. While some students will attend Virginia's world class public universities, there are other students who would benefit from a workforce development program that provides technical training for jobs in high paying manufacturing fields.

To support and expand opportunities in these technical training programs, I have proposed House Bill 887, a measure to consider implementation of a full time Governor's school for Career and Technical Education (CTE). CTE training provides good paying jobs and strengthens our workforce vocational training opportunities. We know that a highly talented and educated workforce is the lynchpin for maintaining, evaluating and enhancing Virginia's economic competitiveness.

News of Interest

Del. Hugo's floor speech: "The sinking ship that is Obamacare:" http://bit.ly/19KBGKB

Delegate Peace on VCTA Cable Reports: http://bit.ly/1jt1RZo

Peace's RTD Sunday Commentary: http://bit.ly/1avua4G

Additionally, Andrew Garcia from Quinton visited. Jewel Benjamin of Mechanicsville and Addie Morrow of Manquin were by to speak about school nutrition matters. I thank these ladies for all they do daily in our public schools to feed our District's youngest residents. Also visiting on Monday, Arianna Gray of Mechanicsville came by to discuss legislative priorities of mental health advocates.

From Mechanicsville, Sally Fritzsche and Ann Boccanfuso dropped in to offer words of encouragement and to share their stance on issues of importance to them. Representatives of the VA Society of CPA's, Kenneth Dance of Mechanicsville and Kristin White of Quinton, and Terry Crourl of Mechanicsville representing the Humane Society made an appearance. I was delighted to visit with Major Mansfield of Mechanicsville yesterday. Finally, visiting today were Dental Hygienist students, Heather Herrera and Amanda Nawrzyniak of Mechanicsville.

I look forward to learning more about the wonderful people of our area doing such great things and of course more smiling faces from home next week. If you are planning to come to the Capitol during session, stop by and visit, I am in Room 527 of the General Assembly Building.