Those of us who anxiously follow the local economy can rest a bit easier this week, as the state’s construction budget and jobs package has been signed into law. Referred to by its supporters through the slogan “Jobs Now,” the package makes significant investments in local workforce development and infrastructure projects, while creating an estimated 18,000 jobs statewide.
This package deserves our appreciation!
There are many strengths to this package and its benefits will be felt statewide. The aerospace industry and Snohomish County faired very well, too.
Having devoted much of my professional career to the aerospace industry, I can say with great confidence that this budget package will create and protect the jobs it aims to while strengthening the future of aerospace manufacturing in our region.
This effort began several months ago with legislative leaders announcing their vision for putting people back to work. For the aerospace industry, this vision centered on re-investing in workforce training.
This investment took on many forms within this jobs package. Here are some of the notable highlights for aerospace:
•Investments in new aerospace training equipment at the Washington Aerospace Training and Research (WATR) Center.
•Funding to expand aerospace training facilities at the WATR Center and Renton Technical College.
•Investments in new aerospace training equipment for the community college system statewide.
Several individuals are worthy of our appreciation, but two local lawmakers deserve a special “thank you” for their extraordinary leadership in seeing this package through. Rep. Hans Dunshee, who chairs the House Capital Budget Committee and authored the House version of the jobs package, demonstrated true leadership and dedication throughout the several-month negotiation process. With all of the pressures and distractions that come with surviving the legislative process, Rep. Dunshee never backed down from his initial goal of putting people back to work.
Also, Sen. Steve Hobbs once again showed that he is a devoted supporter of aerospace as he carefully saw the investment in expansion for our aerospace training centers through this delicate process. Because of Sen. Hobbs’ effort and dedication, students attending our state’s aerospace training facilities will have access to the latest technologies and our aerospace companies will have the growing numbers of highly skilled workers this industry demands.
Our region has been fortunate to remain the “home of aerospace.” Local headlines announcing the future production lines for the 737-MAX, our ability to secure the Air Force refueling tanker and possibility of landing future production of the 777X are a true blessing for our workers, our companies and our local economy. These decisions are only possible because of the commitment shown by lawmakers to invest in our workers and to support our more than 650 aerospace companies.
The jobs package benefits this community for all the right reasons. It signals great things for Snohomish County’s economy today plus it helps make our case for why we should be the future home to the 777X.
Linda Lanham is president and executive director of the Aerospace Futures Alliance.
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