Debbie Gillespie

Mike Rowe: “We’ve been telling kids for 15 years to learn to code.” “Well, AI is coming for the coders.” “It’s not coming for the welders, the plumbers, the steamfitters, the pipefitters, the HVAC, or the electricians.” “In Aspen, I sat and listened to Larry Fink say we need 500,000 electricians in the next couple of years—not hyperbole.” “The BlueForge Alliance, who oversees our maritime industrial base—that’s 15,000 individual companies who are collectively charged with building and delivering nuclear-powered subs to the Navy … calls and says, we’re having a hell of a time finding tradespeople. Can you help?” “I said, I don’t know, man … how many do you need? He says, 140,000.” “These are our submarines. Things go hypersonic, a little sideways with China, Taiwan, our aircraft carriers are no longer the point of the spear. They’re vulnerable.” “Our submarines matter, and these guys have a pinch point because they can’t find welders and electricians to get them built.” “The automotive industry needs 80,000 collision repair and technicians.” “Energy, I don’t even know what the number is, I hear 300,000, I hear 500,000.” “There is a clear and present freakout going on right now. I’ve heard from six governors in the last six months. I’ve heard from the heads of major companies.”

While politicians talk about banning taxpayer funded lobbying, let’s talk about how a phone storage company has spent 6 figures on lobbyist to ban phones in school and create $20 million in taxpayer funded grants so schools can buy their product.

School zones are back in effect tomorrow morning, and we all need to do our part to keep our community safe. Drivers, be sure to stay alert, avoid distractions and watch for pedestrians. If you’re walking or riding, stay aware and make sure you’re visible to drivers. 🚸