[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 143 (Thursday, November 20, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S6193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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    VIRGINIA'S COMMITMENT TO ECONOMIC PROSPERITY THROUGH EDUCATION 
                               INNOVATION

 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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