More Pathways to Success
What to know: As we close out National Career and Technical Education Month, one thing has become more and more clear—there are more pathways to success than just college.
The TPPF take: For Texas to continue to be a magnet for employers, a trained workforce is essential. Yet jobs that do not require four-year college degrees—such as those in manufacturing, construction, and IT—are not being filled.
“In 2021, only 2,600 individuals completed registered apprenticeship programs in Texas,” says TPPF’s Jorge Borrego. “We have found that there are 24 times more open manufacturing jobs than registered apprenticeships. The ratio in construction is 5-to-1, 6-to-1 in information technology, and a staggering 514-to-1 in transportation. Clearly, RAs are not cutting it as a workforce development pipeline. Instead, we need to expand employer-led earn-and-learn opportunities.”
For more on apprenticeships, click here.
Bad Robot
What to know: New York City has removed a robot police unit from the subway. It’s unclear if the robot ever actually helped anyone. But NYC Mayor Eric Adams says the city has plans for more.
The TPPF take: At first glance, robot cops might appear to be a cost-effective investment to combat crime in a city struggling with safety.
“Do robot cops enhance police response? Or are they merely a high-tech band-aid?” asks TPPF’s Maggie Horzempa. “The limitations are clear. The concern of vandalism already requires human police chaperones, so these robots provide no better utility than that of updated, expertly placed security cameras and panic buttons. They cannot replace the human touch necessary for effective community policing, nor can they address the systemic issues driving crime in our cities.”
For more on robot policing, click here.
Second Chances are Important
What to know: The state of Louisiana is closer to eliminating parole for convicted prisoners.
The TPPF take: Louisiana data reveals that ordinary prison releasees have more than twice the rate of re-incarceration as those released on parole.
“The question isn’t whether Louisiana should be tough on crime, but instead whether the state will muster the conviction to insist on achieving real results—not just political fodder,” says TPPF’s Brett Tolman. “Parole and good time credits are integral to a system designed to not only punish, but also provide a chance for rehabilitation and redemption. Let’s fight crime without fighting the facts on what works to make us safer.”
For more on parole, click here.