If you haven't read the June 30th, Providence Business News article on Low Wage Jobs bringing down the economy, please do so. It's a good read and Saul Kaplan is quoted heavily on the state of the state regarding technology jobs.

The most telling fact reported in the article is that 40 percent of RI jobs are below the national average. Massachusetts is listed as having 60% above this average. The article presents this as evidence as why Massachussetts is not hurting as badly in this economy. The 60% are still purchasing goods and services from the low wage sectors and keeping the downturn mild. I believe this argument has merit.

The reason I'm posting this is to present a challenge to us all. Simply put: What would it take to expand and retain the IT population in RI?

My contribution is this, why aren't we paying the most valuable teachers more. The Math, Science and Engineering teachers in the middle and high schools should be paid for their value and contribution. Dare I say it? Merit pay for the best teachers who have a passion to teach who create a passion to learn?

Am I chasing clouds?

What are your best ideas? Express yourself!

Okay, I'll get down now...