CALL TO ACTION “An Educated Work Force is Vital to Nevada’s Future Economic Prosperity”
In his State of the State address, Governor Gibbons suggested that it is necessary to cut education funding (again) in order to find a solution to the state’s budget shortfall. AIA Nevada is taking action by contacting and imploring all assembly members and senators to remember that Education is the foundation of a successful economy. It would be a further disservice to the citizens of Nevada, and the future of our state, to further reduce quality education. The following message has been sent to each legislator and the legislative committee is contacting each legislator personally to let them know that Nevada’s Educational System must not be compromised. If you would like to join the Call to Action, contact your state representatives and let them know that you agree with the AIA position and the importance of education to our future. Speaking on behalf of over 1,000 architects in Nevada, we know firsthand that we are in the grips of the worst recession since the 1930’s. The Governor’s State of the State address clearly identified the challenges including, high home foreclosures, the 2nd highest unemployment rate in the country and declining tax revenues, which are all contributing to a nearly $900 million dollar deficit.
Republicans and Democrats agree that raising taxes in this sour economy is unpalatable. Cutting staff, programs and services is all that remains to fix the gaping hole in the budget and it won’t be easy, but “Nevada’s Educational System should not take the Brunt of this Blow”.
“Nevada currently ranks 47th in the country in Educational Spending per Capita”. If we expect to start growing our economy again, it is essential that we have the highest quality education system available so that our workforce attracts new and existing businesses to expand and relocate to Nevada. It is time for a NEW vision of Nevada, a vision of a “Diversified Economy” that is not reliant on the usual suspects.
“The Foundation of a sustainable Nevada Economy is a Quality Education”. The reasoning is sound, and the conclusion is clear: To be an effective and contributing member of the work force of tomorrow, preparation must be made today to provide the best educational systems possible. “Nevada’s Educational System cannot be compromised”.
Respectfully, Pat Pusich, AIA President, AIA Nevada Chapter
“All who have meditated on the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of empires depends on the education of youth.” - Aristotle
“A necessary ingredient for boosting the human capital potential of the Intermountain West – and the nation as a whole – is education” - Brookings Institute report: Metropolitan Policy Program
