The two have obvious benefits – we want our children to have the education they need to become successful, and we want the jobs and economic opportunities that come with improved transportation.  But I say neither of these investments can be truly successful without the other.

What happens if we give our children the best education and training possible, and they find themselves ready to take on the world – only there are no job opportunities for such a highly educated and highly skilled workforce?  That investment will simply find another state to work in.

Likewise, what if we pave Arkansas with roads that connect us to the far corners of our country and beyond, if we build magnificent ports to import and export so that industries and companies decide to locate here, but then find no local workforce?   All of that payroll potential will go to out-of-state workers.

It is our job now to work together to ensure success in both of these areas.  I was pleased to work with the Southeast Arkansas Education Service Cooperative, that this week received continued funding for Americorps, a team that works with our schoolchildren.  I also brought Congressman Jim Oberstar, ranking member of the Transportation Committee, down to Arkansas last week to see just how badly our transportation projects need federal funding.  It is through successes like these that we can continue to build better minds, better roads, and a better economic future.

I welcome your comments and concerns on issues important to you.  I encourage you to write to me at 514 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515, e-mail me at mike.ross@mail.house.gov or phone my office at 1-800-223-2220.  I also encourage you to visit my website at www.house.gov/ross and sign up to receive my weekly electronic newsletter.