New Andrew Gillum ad highlights need for vo-tech education

Florida’s Democratic candidate for Governor is conveying to voters some of the finer details of his plan for the state’s economy.

A new television ad from the Andrew Gillum campaign spells out the candidate’s promised focus on alternative career preparation for high school students who do not want to or cannot go to college.

“As Governor, I’ll invest in more skills, trade, and career training starting in high school to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top,” Gillum, Mayor of Tallahassee, says in the ad.

Also highlighted is the need for skills, trade, and career training in Florida high schools, which could be fueled in part by a tax increase he’s proposing for non-small businesses in Florida. Gillum has said he plans to raise the corporate tax rate from 5.5 percent to 7.75 percent while continuing to exempt most small businesses from paying the tax.

A renewed focus on vocational-technical training isn’t exactly partisan.

Republican Ron DeSantis in his economic plan stresses the need for skills-based education. DeSantis has said his administration would encourage schools to identify skills gaps and future needs and to be “ground zero for training our workforce of tomorrow.”

Gillum’s campaign has produced a television ad on almost every broad issue Floridians are voting on. Since his Aug. 28 upset primary victory, Gillum has hit airwaves with spots addressing health care, education, and the environment.

The latest ad is here, or available to watch below.