Governor Bredesen knows the wealth of the State is in the hard-working Tennesseans who have good jobs with good futures, and the companies that employ them. He believes job creation is critical to improving Tennessee’s quality of life. Job creation priorities include: Leveraging the full muscle of state government. Governor Bredesen believes agencies across state government have a role to play in economic development. That’s why, in 2003, he created the State’s first Jobs Cabinet to encourage the departments of Agriculture, Education, Labor, Economic Development and others to work together and improve coordination. Investing in traditional and high-tech infrastructure. Governor Bredesen is committed to maintaining traditional investments through the Tennessee Industrial Infrastructure Program (TIIP) as well as launching new high-tech initiatives. Just as new roads and highways opened Tennessee’s communities to economic development in the 20th Century, the Governor believes fiber and broadband technology will yield job growth in the 21st Century. Focusing on education improvement. Governor Bredesen knows education is not only the key to securing a happy and healthy future for Tennessee’s children, but also is the key to developing a skilled workforce that will attract new jobs and promote expansion of existing industry. With that in mind, he’s working to improve K-12 schools and expand pre-kindergarten programs throughout the state. Making meaningful policy changes. Governor Bredesen believes the State must work hard to create new jobs, particularly in manufacturing sectors that are poised on the brink of reinvestment and recovery. In 2004, the Governor called for reform of the State’s workers’ compensation system. The net result: Tennessee’s workers’ comp costs now are more in line with neighboring states, giving us a more competitive edge. Providing rapid response to expanding business. Governor Bredesen knows a quick turnaround is what it takes to be competitive with other states in recruiting jobs. Under the Governor’s FastTrack Initiative, the Department of Economic and Community Development must respond within 72 hours to communities and businesses seeking technical assistance and approved incentives. The Department also must put together tailor-made job training packages within five days of receiving a written commitment of a qualified jobs investment.