Additional Statements

Floor Speech

Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, the key to America's continued success lies in improving our Nation's educational system. With the changing needs of our workforce, it is imperative that we utilize research in STEM fields and the humanities to improve our country's economic prosperity. Even in lean times, Virginia focused on the link between research and the creative new innovations that are leading this Nation's economic recovery; the Commonwealth's continued commitment to bridging these undertakings is commendable.

The Virginia Longitudinal System was created by a partnership between the Virginia Department of Education, the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, the Virginia Community College System, and the Virginia Employment Commission. This vital research tool, the first of its kind in the Nation, provides policymakers, researchers, and citizens with information that will prepare and connect Virginians with employment opportunities. Funded with a grant awarded under the stimulus bill--the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009--the data system allows State agencies and researchers to study the behaviors and transitions of students through the public school systems, into college, and on to the workforce so Virginia leaders can make informed decisions and create education and workforce policy based on consistent and relevant data.

Earlier this year, several education organizations, including the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Center for Excellence in Education, Center for Innovative Technology, Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Virginia Business Higher Education Council, and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, held the Virginia Higher Education Research Summit. The summit focused on the importance of increasing funding for academic research at Virginia's colleges and universities, showcased the strengths of private/public partnerships between Virginia's universities and the private sector, provided a forum for discussing best practices related to intellectual property issues, and strengthened the public's understanding of where Virginia's research dollars come from, including from Federal, State, and private sources.

If we are to win the race for talent, we need a long-term plan that produces the best workforce in the world. I am encouraged by these institutions' open discussion of one of our Nation's most pressing problems--investing in innovative research ideas that will drive our economy and the middle class into the future. I recognize the efforts of these stakeholders and the Commonwealth as they build on the substantial successes already achieved by Virginia's colleges and universities.

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