McAuliffe’s positions on business issues

Published September 27, 2013 by Virginia Business

Jobs and the economy

• Continue Virginia’s tradition of fewer, smarter regulations.
• Invest in transportation and education.
• Give everyone in the state economy a seat at the table. Virginia should ensure proper representation of both workers and management on regulatory boards and licensing panels.
• Ensure that employment laws are followed. Women and minorities should not be discriminated against.

Workforce development

• Focus on supporting the community college system as the centerpiece of the workforce development system.
• Invest in pre-K through 12 education.
• Reform the SOL Tests to have a stronger system of student achievement and teacher evaluation.
• Partner with businesses and community colleges to give students firm credentials and skills training, emphasis on STEM and Computer Science.
• Ensure that community colleges are providing every student with the “soft skills” — those basic job readiness skills that will allow them to transition into on-the-job training — necessary to succeed in their careers along with specialized training options for specific industries will ensure that the workforce can meet the needs of Virginia’s industries.
• Broaden access for veterans to include all programs. Currently our veterans only have federal benefits for degree granting programs. We should create state scholarships for those veterans that want to pursue career certifications.