Kathleen Babineaux Blanco,
Governor
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A MESSAGE FROM GOVERNOR KATHLEEN BLANCO TO LOUISIANA EMPLOYERS
Louisiana is proudly preparing our
young people to compete in the global
market. In this publication, evidence
of our talent abounds, and these wellprepared
young adults are ready to work.
One of my goals is to prepare our work
force so that every person who wants to
work can find a decent job. That�s why I�m
working so hard to build a stronger economy
that creates good-paying jobs, rewards
initiative, and encourages entrepreneurship.
These principles are the guiding lights of my administration,
and they characterize much of what we hope to accomplish
as we work to create opportunity for all our citizens.
I�m optimistic about our state�s future. I�m also hopeful
about the capacity of our people to successfully meet the
difficulties that face us, because we are a state filled with
talented, industrious citizens.
Louisiana is changing and the list of positive indicators is
growing daily. We have much to make us proud.
The U.S. Census Bureau ranks our state�s manufacturing
workers fourth in the nation in productivity.
Governing Magazine recently increased Louisiana�s grade to
a solid B for the way we run our government and manage
our taxpayers� money. Only seven states ranked higher.
Education Week has ranked Louisiana No. 1 in the nation
for our efforts to improve teacher quality. Recent results
from our accountability program also show
far more Louisiana schools are improving
and far fewer are failing.
In Louisiana, we understand the importance
of lifelong learning and the need for
our workers to continually upgrade their
skills.
As recently reported by the Southern
Regional Education Board, Louisiana�s
state and local appropriations for full-time college students
have increased. Southern Business and Development ranked
Louisiana third on its list of Top 10 "Comeback Kids." The
magazine predicts our "comeback will result in a consistent
job generation effort."
I�m sure that in this issue of Louisiana GRADUATES,
you�ll be impressed with the quality of the graduates from
Louisiana schools. Please take time to search these pages, go
online, or pick up the phone and hire a Louisiana graduate.
By hiring our own, you will send a message to business
leaders around this state and the world that Louisiana is
"Open for Business." The graduates featured in this magazine
are a testament to that fact.
Sincerely,
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
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