“For those concerned about the future of the American economy, these essays by some of the country’s most respected analysts provide a balanced, informed synthesis of how to improve the productivity and skills of the labor force and the earnings and job opportunities of less-advantaged workers. Reshaping the American Workforce addresses such important topics as the effects of offshoring, the retirement of the baby boomers, the possible need to realign immigration policy with the needs of the economy, and the education and training policies that have been most effective for various groups. I commend the editors for their ability to cover so much territory so well.”
Isabel Sawhill, Senior Fellow, The Brookings Institution
“Reshaping the American Workforce is a must-read for the newly elected Congress as well as state and local policymakers. Holzer, Nightingale, and colleagues deliver a dispassionate, sometimes disconcerting, look at the range of problems the nation’s workforce is facing and offer a menu of strategies that should receive very serious consideration. Their message about the essential nature of skills development—intensive human capital investment—comes through loud and clear.”
Christopher T. King, Director, Ray Marshall Center for the Study of Human Resources, Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Austin
“America can’t compete in the global economy without a world-class workforce. Yet the federal government’s commitment to employment and training continues to fall short of world-class standards. When the nation’s leaders are ready to step up to the task of investing in the workforce, they should turn first to this volume for how to focus our efforts and where to put our money.”
Thomas A. Kochan, George M. Bunker Professor of Management and Codirector, MIT Institute for Work and Employment Research
“Reshaping the American Workforce shows that our national policy on workforce development cannot meet the demands of a global economy and the rising public expectation that most Americans—including single mothers and those with mild disabilities—should work. Equally important, the volume contains several solid proposals that could mitigate the workforce problems we already face and those that are sure to grow. This is a timely, provocative, and wise book.”
Ron Haskins, Senior Fellow, Economic Studies, and Codirector, Center on Children and Families, The Brookings Institution
