[Printer Friendly Version]   [How to E-mail This Article to A Friend]

U.S. GOVERNMENT 1: Labor Day 2006: U.S. Falling Behind; 'Back to School' Key to Jobs

On Labor Day 2006, Americans believe that high-quality public education is the key to job growth in an economy where global competition is a new reality, according to a poll released today by the Council for Excellence in Government. The public also worries that the U.S. is falling behind China and India when it comes to jobs and education; and defines a good job by salary and benefits.

The poll is the culmination of a two-year project that looked at the issue of jobs and the economy from the citizen's perspective. The effort also included six town hall meetings and local polls in Baltimore, Baton Rouge, Cleveland, Fresno, Kansas City, and San Antonio. The final report--which includes recommendations for action--reflects the concerns of Americans from across the country.

Among the findings:

-- 77 percent of Americans think that quality schools are an absolute or top priority for creating good jobs; but most see a gap between the importance of good schools and the quality of schools in their area.

-- 60 percent believe that good jobs in the future will require a college degree, vs. vocational training (33 percent).

-- Good wages/salaries tied with health insurance coverage (both 41 percent) as the most important job qualities, followed by long-term job security.

-- Americans are worried that the U.S. is falling behind other countries in K-12 achievement in science and math (43 percent), work ethic (33 percent), and student preparedness for college (31 percent). The public is also concerned about the U.S. losing jobs to other countries-particularly China (54 percent) and India (38 percent).

-- Although Americans are concerned about outsourcing (44 percent say "jobs moving to other countries" was the top reason for job losses in their area), they would rather have government reward companies that keep jobs in the U.S. (51 percent) than regulate/restrict companies from sending jobs oversees (36 percent).

The complete poll and report can be viewed online at http://www.excelgov.org

The Council for Excellence in Government is a national, nonpartisan and nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C.

Article courtesy of USNewsWire.com

Visit their website at www.usnewswire.com


Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!