Higher Education, Job Creation and Affordable Housing

This week's Pennsylvania Newsmakers features an analysis of two policy areas: education and the critical issues confronting the growth of new jobs and the creation of affordable housing in the state. In the first part of the show, Dr. Steve Pavlak, an assistant Vice Chancellor in the State System of Higher Education, outlines the main features of an innovative new state system program--called �Gear Up' -- to help as many as 14,000 students prepare for college and to provide tuition assistance once they are admitted. The program is funded by a $12.4 million grant from the U. S. Department of Education. In the second part of the show, the incoming president of the Pennsylvania Builders Association, Roger Zimmer describes the essential ingredients for a successful job creation and a growth environment in the housing industry. Mr. Zimmer highlights the need for a state-wide water plan, the need for a statewide housing policy, the creation of a cabinet-level position of Secretary of Housing, and policies that lead to sensible solutions for growth. Terry Madonna is the host of Pa Newsmakers.