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Dan Onorato Tours KME Firetruck Manufacturers, Discusses Turning Around Pennsylvania’s Economy

9/20/10

Dan Onorato Tours KME Firetruck Manufacturers, Discusses Turning Around Pennsylvania’s Economy
Onorato Says Manufacturing Will Play Key Role in Reviving Pennsylvania’s Economy

NESQUEHONING: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato today toured a manufacturing plant in Nesquehoning, citing the role manufacturing businesses will play in revitalizing the statewide economy.

            “Starting with Day One, my biggest priority will be fixing Pennsylvania’s economy,” said Onorato. “Manufacturing will continue to play a major role in our state’s economy and provide good-paying jobs for our workforce.”

            Under Onorato’s leadership, Allegheny County’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than both the state’s and the nation’s. There are more people working in Allegheny County than in any other county in Pennsylvania, and the region has received accolades for its job growth, quality of life and ability to attract college graduates and families.

            As County Executive, Onorato turned 1,500 acres of brownfields into shovel-ready sites that could be used for economic development and worked with community colleges to train workers for well-paying high-demand jobs. Onorato also capitalized on Southwestern Pennsylvania’s rich manufacturing history to match employers and workers in advanced manufacturing jobs in the development of wind and solar energy components.

           “By improving the environment for business in Pennsylvania, we can encourage more and more manufacturing plants to move here and bring their jobs with them,” said Onorato. “I have the experience of encouraging business in Allegheny County and I can do the same for Pennsylvania.”

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has championed economic development and aligned workforce development programs to meet the needs of businesses. His plan to grow Pennsylvania’s economy, which was released in January, will:

·         Establish a climate where businesses can succeed;
·         Launch a “Grow Your Own” success strategy to help firms start, expand and prosper;
·         Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation;
·         Boost export opportunities for Pennsylvania companies and attract foreign companies to the state; and
·         Ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce is prepared for and able to access high-skill, well-paying jobs.

Onorato Visits Pittsburgh Job Corps, Discusses Plans To Revive
Pennsylvania's Economy

PITTSBURGH: Today, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato toured the
Pittsburgh Job Corps Center and discussed revitalizing the state's economy.
During the visit, Onorato spoke with local students enrolled in energy,
healthcare, information technology and other high-demand programs about
their career ambitions and goals for the future.

"As Allegheny County Executive, I worked to create an economic climate where
business and industry could succeed," said Onorato. "As Governor, I will
get our economy back on track and ensure our workforce is prepared for
employment in high growth jobs across the state."

Under Onorato's leadership, Allegheny County's unemployment rate is
significantly lower than both the state's and the nation's. Today, there
are more people working in Allegheny County than in any other county in
Pennsylvania, and the region has received accolades for its job growth,
quality of life and ability to attract college graduates and families.

Job Corps provides career training for more than 100,000 young adults yearly
between the ages of 16 and 24. In Pennsylvania, Job Corps operates training
centers in Keystone, Red Rock, Philadelphia and for the past 37 years,
Pittsburgh. Locally, the Pittsburgh facility provides services to more than
850 students and in conjunction with local community colleges, is home to
the largest off-center college training program in the country.

Earlier this year, Onorato released his plan to encourage economic growth
across Pennsylvania. The highlights of Onorato's plan include:

*        Establishing a climate where businesses can succeed;
*         Launching a "Grow Your Own" success strategy to help firms start,
expand and prosper;
*         Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation;
*         Boosting export opportunities for Pennsylvania companies and
attract foreign companies to the state; and
*         Ensuring that Pennsylvania's workforce is prepared for and able to
access high-skill, well-paying jobs.

           "I am the only candidate running for Governor who understands
how to turn around an economy and has the experience and the plan to bring
new jobs and new businesses to Pennsylvania," said Onorato.

Corbett Fails Test of Fiscal Discipline

8/19/2010

Corbett Fails Test of Fiscal Discipline
After requesting spending hikes every single year, Attorney General is silent when asked to cut his own budget

PITTSBURGH: Harrisburg Republican Tom Corbett’s campaign pledges for smaller government and spending cuts have run into a major credibility problem: Attorney General Corbett’s refusal to agree to even a 1.9% reduction in his own office’s spending as a result of the state’s budget crisis.

            Yesterday, Gov. Rendell announced a 1.9% cut in discretionary spending and asked the independent offices that he does not control to implement the same.

            The State Treasurer – responsible for managing all public funds – immediately agreed.

            So did the Pennsylvania Housing & Finance Agency, which runs programs that prevent foreclosure and help families keep a roof over their heads during tough economic times.

            Even Corbett’s GOP allies in the State Senate said that, “we would encourage independent agencies to do the same.” [Capitolwire, 8/18/2010]

            And the response from the Attorney General? Silence.

Corbett has requested an increase in his office’s budget every year that he has served as Attorney General – despite calling for “across the board” spending cuts for everyone else. [Harrisburg Patriot-News, June 11, 2010] He also says in a campaign policy paper that he will cut state administrative spending in all agencies by 10 percent if elected Governor. [Capitolwire, 3/22/2010]

This year alone, Corbett requested a 12% spending hike – even as the state was facing a massive budget crisis.

Corbett then mounted a vigorous defense of his spending plan. Appearing before the Senate Appropriations Committee, “Corbett told lawmakers, while he's been frugal and made cutbacks in his office, he could not guarantee [the] continued success of programs… without adding more staff.” [Philly.com, 2/18 2010]

In testimony to the House Appropriations Committee, Corbett was even more adamant in his defense of his own budget: “If – if you flat budget us, zero percent increase – we will lose 21 positions across the agency…. If you go to cutting us by one percent, it would be 31. Two percent it would be 40. Three percent it would be 50. Four percent it would be 59. Five percent it would be 69 positions. We would be a shell.” [House Appropriations Committee transcript, 2/2/2010]

Even Corbett’s ally Senate Republican Leader Dominic Pileggi has questioned whether Corbett could keep his budget promises and urged the GOP nominee to lay out his plan. [Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 6/28/2010]

            Instead, Corbett has said that he wants to increase spending for welfare cash assistance grants and supplemental security income, addiction programs, agriculture, public education, pre-school, the educational improvement tax credit, workforce development, court administration and funding, venture capital investment, economic development and infrastructure.

            “Dan Onorato has balanced the budget for Pennsylvania’s second-largest county for six years in a row without ever increasing property taxes, and he reformed government to cut waste and inefficiency,” said Onorato Communications Director Brian Herman. “Meanwhile, Tom Corbett has no experience and contradicts himself at every turn.”

8/18/10

Corbett Turns to Corporate Allies for Gubernatorial Election Attack
‘You can help Tom Corbett for Governor,’ says invite to industry coalition’s political press conference

PITTSBURGH: After taking the side of the insurance industry and the oil and gas drillers over the interest of Pennsylvanians, Harrisburg Republican Tom Corbett is now relying on another set of his special interest allies for a coordinated – and false – attack on Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato.

              Last week, the Associated Builders & Contractors of Western Pennsylvania, which contributed $5,000 to Corbett’s campaign in January, began running a radio ad attacking Onorato. Today, those same allies are continuing the attack with a press conference at the Community College of Allegheny County.

             The statewide ABC PAC has given over $30,000 to Corbett’s gubernatorial campaign and over $37,000 to Corbett’s other campaigns.

             Today’s event is advertised on the Republican Committee of Allegheny County’s website, and an email from the Republican Committee to supporters notes that “You can help Tom Corbett for Governor by attending this event.” Images of both are attached. ABC of Western Pennsylvania is led by Chairman Robert Glancy, the former head of the Allegheny County Republicans, and by President Eileen Watt, a former Republican member of Allegheny County Council.

            Jim Roddey, the current head of the Allegheny County Republicans, is a close Corbett ally who introduced the GOP gubernatorial nominee when Corbett announced his candidacy for Governor last year.

            The radio ad from Corbett’s backers claims to be about Allegheny County issues and not the Governor’s race, and directs listeners to call the Allegheny County Executive’s official office.

            “Tom Corbett has represented big business over average Pennsylvanians every step of his career and every day of this campaign, and his corporate donor allies are now returning the favor,” said Onorato Communications Director Brian Herman. “But there is no mistaking that Tom Corbett just doesn’t get the problems that Pennsylvania families are facing, while Dan Onorato has the experience and the plan to get the state back on track and turn the economy around.”

            Corbett has built a reputation for siding with big corporations over average people.

            After serving as the state’s appointed Attorney General in the 1990’s, Corbett ultimately went to work for Waste Management. When asked in 2004 about his work for the waste hauler and landfill owner, Corbett explained: “The last time I looked, Republicans backed business.” [Lancaster Sunday News, 5/18/2004]

            As Attorney General again in 2007, Corbett reached a settlement in a case over Pennsylvania’s ban on corporate campaign contributions that led the prohibition on corporate money to be “severely weakened,” according to the Philadelphia Daily News. The newspaper reported that:

            “A federal judge has upheld the legality of an unusual $1.2 million advertising campaign in last year’s Supreme Court race, ruling that it complied with a settlement to which state Attorney General Thomas Corbett agreed last summer. The combination – Corbett’s settlement agreement and this week’s ruling by U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody – appears to put a major loophole into Pennsylvania’s ban on corporate campaign contributions.” [5/7/2008]

            More recently, Corbett has said that he opposes a Marcellus shale severance tax in order to protect the oil and gas industry’s profits. He has also called for “voluntary drilling standards” [Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 6/23/2010] based on “consensus” with the industry [Corbett public statement, 6/23/2010] – which would likely mean environmental regulations are even weaker than they are today.

            And given the opportunity to preserve health care for 46,000 working Pennsylvanians or protect the $5.6 billion surplus of four major insurance companies, Corbett chose to protect the insurance industry and oppose a 3-year extension of the adultBasic health insurance program.

8/17/10

Dan Onorato Tours Marcellus Shale Job Training Program, Discusses Economic Development
Gubernatorial Nominee Says Marcellus Shale Must Lead to Rapid Job Growth for Pennsylvanians

WILLIAMSPORT: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato today toured the Marcellus Shale Education and Training Center at Penn Tech, discussing how training Pennsylvania’s workforce for Marcellus Shale jobs could lead to rapid economic revival.

            “The Marcellus Shale deposits under our state could put tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians back to work,” said Onorato. “We only have one chance to do this right, and I’m the only candidate with a plan which will provide the jobs to Pennsylvanians through workforce development programs and training – while still maintaining high environmental standards and a clean water supply.”

            Under Onorato’s leadership, there are more people working in Allegheny County than any other county in Pennsylvania. Allegheny County’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than both the state’s and the nation’s.

            “The Marcellus Shale is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Pennsylvania,” said Onorato. “I will work with industry, labor, community and environmental leaders to ensure that Pennsylvanians have access to and are well prepared for the influx of available jobs in the industry.”

            Onorato backs a severance tax on Marcellus shale drilling that is competitive with other states, and he would use the proceeds to fund enforcement by the Department of Environmental Protection, to help local communities address the impact of drilling on their roads and other services, and to pay for the renewal of Growing Greener – which funds the state’s environmental conservation and preservation programs.

            Corbett opposes a severance tax, even though every other major gas-producing state has such a tax.

Corbett has also called for “voluntary drilling standards” [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 6/23/2010] based on “consensus” with the industry [Corbett public statement, 6/23/2010] – which would likely mean environmental regulations are even weaker than they are today.

And Corbett is against limits on new drilling in State Forests [Associated Press, 5/12/2010].

            “I have a plan to both advance our economy and protect the environment,” said Onorato. “I’m the only candidate who’s putting the concerns of the Commonwealth first.”

8/17/10

‘Robocalls’ Complaint Raises Issue of Politics, Law Enforcement Mix… Again
Asked to look into GOP election abuse, Harrisburg Republican Tom Corbett buried prior investigation

PITTSBURGH: Given Harrisburg Republican Tom Corbett’s history of politicizing his office, yesterday’s request by a reform activist for an investigation into taxpayer-funded robocalls might put the Attorney General in a tough position.

            The complaint, filed by activist Gene Stilp, asks Attorney General Corbett to look into whether it is appropriate for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to use public funds to make robocalls on behalf of legislators – a practice that has long been condemned by reformers as electioneering and is prohibited by the State Senate.

            Running for re-election as Attorney General in 2008, Corbett faced accusations that he was using taxpayer funds to boost his own name recognition among voters when it was revealed that Corbett had spent approximately $625,000 of tax dollars on public service announcements in the Philadelphia area. [Philadelphia Inquirer, 9/6/2008]

            The next month, an analysis by the Allentown Morning Call found an increase in the Attorney General’s official press releases and public appearances leading up to the November vote. “The releases and appearances garner Corbett free publicity and critical name recognition in a year where, courtesy of the presidential campaign, the airwaves are flooded with pricey political advertisements and voters' attention spans are at an absolute premium,” according to the article. [10/29/2008]

            And a long list of Corbett’s decisions as Attorney General raise as many questions about Corbett’s judgment and priorities as they do about his political motives.

            It has now been almost 5 months of silence since Corbett announced his investigation into fraudulent petitions in a Republican ally’s campaign. On March 29, Corbett’s official staff said he would take over a Delaware County case alleging that GOP Congressional candidate Pat Meehan’s nomination petitions contained fraudulent signatures – even though the same Republican officials who circulated petitions for Meehan also did it for Corbett

            “Tom Corbett’s actions – or inaction – fundamentally call into question his judgment,” Onorato Communications Director Brian Herman said. “Dan Onorato is the only candidate for Governor who has a record of reforming government, balancing the budget and turning around the economy, and a positive vision for Pennsylvania’s future.”

            As the state’s appointed Attorney General in the 1990’s, Corbett questioned whether his office had the resources or expertise to pursue a lawsuit against tobacco companies. But while running for Governor, Corbett’s taxpayer-funded Attorney General’s Office had no trouble getting involved in two controversial lawsuits: in an effort to overturn national health care legislation and to score political points on illegal immigration.

            And in May, Corbett subpoenaed Twitter in order to expose anonymous bloggers who have been critical of him – a move that led the Patriot-News to call on Corbett to consider resigning to “assure the integrity of his office….” [5/23/2010]

More recently, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s editorial board called for Corbett to “quit his day job” because “it’s nearly impossible lately for the public to separate Corbett’s law enforcement duties from his role as the GOP nominee for governor.”

Dan Onorato Endorsed By AFL-CIO

8/12/10

Dan Onorato Endorsed By AFL-CIO
Pennsylvania’s largest labor organization unanimously endorses Onorato, citing his experience working with industry and his executive leadership

HERSHEY: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato was endorsed today by the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), adding to his long list of support from working men and women in Pennsylvania.

            “It’s a tremendous honor to be endorsed by the hard working men and women of the AFL-CIO,” said Onorato. “Pennsylvania needs a Governor with executive experience dealing with economic issues, and I’m the only candidate with that experience and the vision to solve our challenges. I’m ready to start fixing the economy on day-one.”

            The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO represents 900,000 workers from 51 International Unions and 1,422 Locals in all of Pennsylvania's 67 counties. Nationwide, the AFL-CIO represents more than 11.5 million workers.

            “Dan Onorato is clearly the most qualified candidate to be the next Governor of Pennsylvania,” said Rick Bloomingdale, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO. “The people of Pennsylvania need a leader who has the ideas and experience to guide them through the tough economic times we currently face. That person is Dan Onorato.”

            In Allegheny County, Onorato has been committed to creating job growth and a business climate that can compete with any region in the country. Allegheny County has also received numerous accolades for its job growth, ability to attract graduates and families and quality of life. Currently, more people are working in Allegheny County than in any other county in Pennsylvania.

Onorato’s plan to grow Pennsylvania’s economy and help create family-sustaining jobs will:

    * Establish a climate where businesses can succeed;
    * Launch a “Grow Your Own” success strategy to help firms start, expand and prosper;
    * Lower the corporate income tax to attract businesses to Pennsylvania;
    * Create tax credits for companies that create new jobs; and
    * Ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce is prepared for and able to access high-skill, well-paying jobs.

8/12/10

Onorato Visits Research Center, Discusses Jobs Plan
Says Science and Technology Jobs Can Help Propel Economy

HERSHEY: Today Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato discussed how his economic policy will create jobs and revitalize the Pennsylvanian economy. Onorato cited the potential job growth the economy could have from encouraging innovation as outlined in his economic development plan.

            “I’m the only candidate with the necessary experience to encourage job growth in the high-tech sector, which can be a great catalyst for economic development,” said Onorato. “I fully plan to encourage specialized technology and innovation to help push our economy into the 21st century.”

             Under Onorato’s leadership, Allegheny County’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than both the state’s and the nation’s. There are more people working in Allegheny County than in any other county in Pennsylvania, and the region has received accolades for its job growth, quality of life and ability to attract college graduates and families.

             “I’ve had great success bringing new high-tech jobs to Allegheny County,” said Onorato. “I look forward to using that experience to help the statewide economy recover and provide quality, good paying jobs for Pennsylvanians.”

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has championed economic development and aligned workforce development programs to meet the needs of businesses. His plan to grow Pennsylvania’s economy, which was released in January, will:

·         Establish a climate where businesses can succeed;
·         Launch a “Grow Your Own” success strategy to help firms start, expand and prosper;
·         Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation;
·         Boost export opportunities for Pennsylvania companies and attract foreign companies to the state; and
·         Ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce is prepared for and able to access high-skill, well-paying jobs.

8/11/10

Onorato Says Quality Education Choices Are Key to State’s Economic Future
Onorato joins State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams in calling for school reform that puts children first

PHILADELPHIA: Joined by State Senator Anthony Hardy Williams, Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato today said that improving education is a critical economic issue and emphasized that a range of educational options are necessary to ensure that Pennsylvanians are able to compete for high-skill jobs.

            “We need to keep our focus where it belongs: on our children,” said Onorato. “Whether it is in a traditional public school, a charter school or a private school, every family has the right to know that their children are in a safe and successful learning environment.”

            Onorato, whose pre-k–12 education policy paper released in February calls for taking “a balanced approach to school choice,” joined Senator Williams in calling for grants so that low-income families served by the most academically challenged schools would be able to choose another option for their children.

            “Academic achievement is essential for economic success,” Onorato said. “I want to make sure that every school is a great school, and increasing parental choice will help reach this goal.”

            Onorato’s education policies, which are designed to achieve the best return on taxpayer investment while focusing on success for all students, include:

·      Early childhood education, with expanded access to high-quality pre-kindergarten;
·      The state’s school funding formula, which increases student achievement while reducing the burden on local property taxes;
·      Charter schools with strong academic and financial standards;
·      The Educational Improvement Tax Credit, which funds private-school scholarships for low-income families; and
·      Similar grants that would give low-income families in academically distressed communities direct choices about which schools their children should attend.

            “Pennsylvania’s next Governor must be someone who will stand up for all of our children, and understand the direct link between a quality education and improving the economic and social future of our Commonwealth," Senator Williams said. “I have worked to ensure pathways to a better education for all throughout my career in public service. That’s what school choice is about. That’s what I’m about. And I am proud to have Dan Onorato as my partner in giving children and their families more opportunities for success – regardless of their income level or zip code.”

Onorato has seen first-hand the positive impact of high-quality childhood education on children from disadvantaged backgrounds, and he brought his commitment to ensuring that all children receive a good education to his role as Allegheny County Executive, where he championed programs that increase literacy and that provide academic, after-school and social service support to the county’s families.

8/9/10

Onorato Tours Manufacturing Facility, Talks Jobs
Says Small Businesses Play a Vital Role in Reviving Pennsylvania’s Economy

STATE COLLEGE: Democratic gubernatorial nominee Dan Onorato today toured a small manufacturing company in State College and outlined his plan for economic recovery and job growth in Pennsylvania.

            “The economy will be my top priority from Day One,” said Onorato. “Small businesses will play a vital role in turning around Pennsylvanian’s economy, and I’m the only candidate with experience working with them to help them prosper and grow.”

             Small businesses account for more than half of the nation’s private-sector economic activity and over 60% of new jobs.

            “In Allegheny County, I focused heavily on small businesses because they can drive our economy in a big way,” said Onorato. “As Governor, I’ll bring that same commitment to private-sector job creation across Pennsylvania.

Under Onorato’s leadership, Allegheny County’s unemployment rate is significantly lower than both the state’s and the nation’s. There are more people working in Allegheny County than in any other county in Pennsylvania, and the region has received accolades for its job growth, quality of life and ability to attract college graduates and families.

“Small businesses are the proving ground for innovation and encourage strong communities,” said Onorato. “As Governor, I will do everything possible to ensure they prevail.”

As Allegheny County Executive, Onorato has championed economic development and aligned workforce development programs to meet the needs of businesses. His plan to grow Pennsylvania’s economy, which was released in January, will:

·         Establish a climate where businesses can succeed;
·         Launch a “Grow Your Own” success strategy to help firms start, expand and prosper;
·         Encourage entrepreneurship and innovation;
·         Boost export opportunities for Pennsylvania companies and attract foreign companies to the state; and
·         Ensure that Pennsylvania’s workforce is prepared for and able to access high-skill, well-paying jobs.

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Dan Onorato Releases Plan to Prepare the Next Generation for the High-Skill Economy

February 25, 2010

Dan Onorato Releases Plan to Prepare the Next Generation for the High-Skill Economy
Onorato's Plan Will Create a Better-Prepared Workforce While Easing the Burden on Local Property Taxes

PITTSBURGH: Today, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Dan Onorato released his plan to prepare the next generation of Pennsylvanians for the high-skill economy – the sixth major policy paper he’s released.

“Quality schools are vital for Pennsylvania's economic future and for the health of our communities," Onorato said. "We must prepare the next generation of Pennsylvanians for a high-skill economy while decreasing our dependence on sky-high property taxes.

“Even in these difficult fiscal times, there are two items that simply must be top priorities: early childhood education – which saves us money in the long-run for every dollar we invest today – and continuing to implement the Legislature’s Costing-Out Report school funding formula.”

As Governor, Onorato will work to provide all Pennsylvania students with the high-quality education that is essential to success in our global economy. To provide every child with the education they need and deserve, Onorato will:

Fulfill the state’s responsibility for adequate school funding – and keep the burden off local property taxes;
Provide high-quality early childhood care and education;
Create an environment where students can learn;
Addressing the needs of at-risk students and struggling schools; and
Ensure that students graduate ready for success in college and the workforce.

“If we fail to live up to our responsibility to Pennsylvania’s children, the result will be ever-increasing property taxes and even greater educational inequity,” Onorato continued. “Rather than continue our decline, we need to invest in our students and prepare them to take their place in the workforce of the future.”

Onorato, who has fought against unfair country property tax hikes as Allegheny County Executive, will stem the local impact of the historic decline in the state’s share of school funding and relieve the burden placed on local property taxpayers.

As Governor, Onorato will continue to implement the Legislature’s Costing-Out Report. Pennsylvania’s first school funding formula in nearly two decades was enacted in 2008, and Onorato will continue to implement the formula until it is fully funded, enabling local communities to avoid unaffordable property tax hikes while providing adequate resources to increase achievement in Pennsylvania classrooms.

As a member of Pittsburgh’s City Council representing the North Side, Onorato saw the positive impact of high-quality childhood education on children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Onorato continued his commitment to ensuring that all children receive a good start in school to his role as Allegheny County Executive, where he championed programs that increase literacy and that provide academic, after-school and social service support to the county’s families.

As Governor, Onorato will also focus on providing high-quality early childhood care and education to Pennsylvania’s children. Every dollar invested in early childhood education generates between $7 and $17 in long-term benefits and savings to taxpayers. Onorato understands that quality early childhood education is a powerful economic development tool, and he is committed to increasing the number of children enrolled in high-quality pre-kindergarten. Onorato will expand the number of slots in Pennsylvania’s landmark Pre-Kindergarten County program with the goal of doubling total enrollment in high-quality pre-k by 2020.

“We need to prepare our students for the high-skill, high tech workforce that awaits them,” Onorato said. “Education is the lynchpin of the decisions that will drive Pennsylvania’s progress: for businesses searching for the workforce that will fuel their growth, for adults choosing where to raise their families, and for industries that can only thrive in places rich in entrepreneurship and innovation.”

Dan Onorato will spearhead improvements in how students are prepared for college and for the workforce, including:

Creating an agenda for imagination, innovation and entrepreneurship by convening a blue-ribbon panel of education stakeholders and private-sector leaders to recommend ways to integrate the development of these skills into the daily classroom activities that students and teachers engage in, beginning with the early elementary years.
Reinvigorating the 12th grade experience by calling for schools to dramatically expand the range of options available to high school seniors, including advanced courses; internships community service-learning projects; and high-quality Career & Technical Education.
Expanding programs that increase college attendance.
Expanding high-quality Career & Technical Education programs and creating partnerships with businesses and unions to prepare students for the high-skill workforce.
Preventing students from dropping out of school, starting with early warning systems to quickly identify students who are at risk of dropping out due to their attendance rates, grades or other factors – and then linking those students to immediate assistance.
Launching a statewide Dropout Recovery Initiative to re-engage young adults who have already left school without a diploma. Onorato’s Dropout Recovery Initiative will include alternative pathways for these former students to earn a high school diploma, attend higher education and receive job training.
Create a stronger link between schools and employers. Many of the strategies discussed in this policy paper call for better alignment between pre-K–12 education and the private sector.

Onorato released his plan to spur economic development in partnership with Pennsylvania’s higher education institutions last year. “The Onorato Plan for Higher Education” focused on ensuring that Pennsylvanians have the education and training they need for well-paying, high-growth jobs in the global economy.

Click here to read "The Onorato Plan for Pre-K - 12 Education: Preparing the Next Generation of Pennsylvanians for the High-Skill Economy & As Leaders of a Strong Civic Society."

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