Seattle Times - Washington state is heavily dependent on its aerospace and manufacturing industries. Last year, the state exported more than $23.3 billion in aerospace products — 30 percent of all U.S. aerospace exports.
Industry and education officials are beginning to coalesce around the problem of ensuring there are enough people with the right skills to fill the jobs and hold onto our competitive edge in aerospace manufacturing.
One in six aerospace jobs are here in Washington state. The state needs 21,000 new aerospace workers during the next decade. Getting companies and educational communities engaged is an effort led by U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell. The Democrat is holding legislative field hearings and round-table discussions around the state to home in on specific challenges and potential solutions.
As one of the most beautiful states in the union–and one of the richest in natural resources–Washington has a special interest in energy and environmental policy. And Maria has fought hard to uphold the state’s conservation tradition, while also working to bring our energy policy into the 21st century.
Maria knows Washington’s business community – because, as an executive at an innovative software company, she was part of it. And as a Senator, she’s led the way in helping businesses large and small throughout Washington grow, thrive, and create jobs.
Maria has taken a leadership role on safety and security issues, including defending our borders, strengthening our military, cracking down on gangs, and taking on drug crime in Washington communities
Middle-class families around Washington and across the country are facing tough times–and tough decisions about balancing the family checkbook each month. Maria has fought to strengthen the economic security of Washington families and cut taxes for middle-class families.
