Kaine Meets With Roanoke Women Community Leaders To Discuss Education, Economic Development

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In Roanoke today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine met with women community leaders to discuss issues that impact local businesses and families and learn more about economic development in the region. The visit is Kaine’s latest stop on a two-week tour across the Commonwealth.

During the discussion, Kaine described why passage of a two-year budget agreement is so important for the local economy and small businesses in the Roanoke Valley.

“We don't know how to best run your business, you do,” Kaine said. “But if we provide budget certainty, it becomes easier for business leaders everywhere to do their jobs.”

Kaine also spoke about his work in the Senate to expand access to career and technical education (CTE) and strengthen the competitiveness of the workforce throughout Virginia, emphasizing the need to tailor pre-K through 12 education to each student's individual interests and abilities.

“As I travel around Virginia, whether it's at local Chambers of Commerce or meeting with educators, this is an issue everyone believes in,” Kaine said. “When I talk to employers, what I always hear is that they want the best-trained workforce out there. Virginia is doing well compared to other states, but the U.S. isn't doing as well compared to other countries. Whether it's in pre-K through 12 or our community college system, we have downgraded career and technical education and we need to renew our focus and use it as a tool to strengthen the economy.”

Tomorrow, Kaine will continue his two-week tour of Virginia in Wytheville, Marion, Emory and Abingdon. 

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