The past few years brought many encouraging changes in the economy both nationally and within the First District of Arkansas. Most notable was the 2018 year-end unemployment rate of 3.6 percent. Unfortunately, unemployment data alone does not capture the entire well-being of an economy. Frequently, I hear stories of employers in our district struggling to find people to hire or even interview. The labor force participation rate in our district is steadily declining, discouraging employers who have good jobs to offer but no workers to fill them. While multiple factors contribute to the labor force problem, one of the more threatening is a struggle to adjust our education and training to today’s dynamic market.
In August, I met with my Delta Region Economic Advancement Mission (DREAM) Council – a group of economic and community leaders from our Delta counties. We discussed the intricacies of the challenges facing our district and how to address them. With only 48 percent of high school students in the First District graduating and going to college, it is time we find a way to help the other 52 percent meet their greatest potential in the workforce. This means connecting our educators with potential STEM employers, something my staff and I emphasize through our annual STEM and Manufacturing Tour. It also means emphasizing the skills that cannot be found in a textbook. In a survey, I asked First District employers to describe some of their greatest challenges in finding and maintaining their workforce. Eighty-nine percent of respondents said they needed soft or general skills – including everything from understanding teamwork and communication to simply showing up on time. The DREAM Council and I had an in-depth conversation about how this need currently far outweighs the need for industry-specific training or knowledge of technology.
As we look for ways to strengthen our labor force and ensure our district is competitive with others, we must think beyond our traditional ideas of education and get creative about how we can best prepare our students. Today’s economy opens numerous exciting doors for our communities, but it is a constantly evolving system that demands we evolve with it.
"Every year I am amazed by the talent demonstrated by students in the 1st District and this year was no exception," Crawford said. "Congratulations to this year’s winners and the educators who have inspired them."
"I support the President's calls to open the government, ensure government employees are paid, and continue working diligently with experts at the Department of Homeland Security to address the national security challenges on our southern border as expeditiously, efficiently, and effectively as possible," said U.S. Rep. Rick Crawford of Jonesboro.
WASHINGTON, DC
2422 Rayburn HOB
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-4076
CABOT, AR
112 S. 1st
Cabot, AR 72023
Phone: (501) 843-3043
Fax: (501) 843-4955
DUMAS, AR
101 E. Waterman St.
Dumas, AR 71639
Phone: (501) 438-9824
(870) 377-5571
JONESBORO, AR
2400 Highland Dr
Suite 300
Jonesboro, AR 72401
Phone: (870) 203-0540
Fax: (870) 203-0542
MOUNTAIN HOME, AR
1001 Highway 62 E
Suite 9
Mountain Home, AR 72653
Phone: (870) 424-2075
Fax: (870) 424-3149
In order to improve constituent services provided through all my district offices, it is recommended you first call the appropriate district office to make an appointment.
