Indiana Needs Better Education

 Lilly CEO takes critical stance against Indiana economy but I doubt the Republicans running Indiana want a better educated citizenry. 

David Ricks, Lilly’s chief executive officer and chairman, shared his thoughts at a luncheon speech in front of The Economic Club of Indiana. He says Indiana is not up to the challenge of the new economy. He cites national data that shows Indiana does well in the cost of living, the cost of doing business and the business climate, but the state’s liabilities are dragging down Hoosiers. 

“Our education attainment in the state is not good. The ability to reskill the workforce, I think, could improve. Health, life and inclusion, overall, I think, conditions rank poorly nationally in our state. And also workforce preparedness, also related to reskilling, is a liability for us,” Ricks said.

The Lilly CEO says close to a third of traditional jobs will be replaced in the next decade in favor of positions heavy on math and science, which is critical to Lilly’s core business. According to his data, only a third of Indiana high school students pass the state’s standardized math test, and only 20% go on to earn a bachelor’s degree.

This is not a loss due to unskilled immigrants, this is due to Indiana citizens believing they do not need an education.  

Why does Indiana's political establishment not lead on this issue by promoting education rather than pandering to anti-intellectualism?