ATLANTA () – State leaders are prioritizing ways to have a talent ready workforce to bring more jobs to Georgia.

Last year, Governor Brian Kemp announced a new dental school for Georgia Southern and a new medical school for UGA to have more healthcare students graduating in Georgia.

This year, he said the state needs to invest in high skilled jobs and train the next generation of students by funding education for those critical roles.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce is outlining some of those focus areas to bolster the state’s economy over the next 25 years.

“Finally talent and workforce development which is something we have spent a great deal of time working here at the chamber,” said Ed Elkins, Chairman with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “It is critically important when you think about access to education, access to skilled development. That is what the next generation needs as more jobs come to Georgia and have that well equipped.”

Elkins wants lawmakers to find ways that would improve education completion rates to provide an employable workforce, reduce barriers to employment and people trained in high demand skills.

One goal is for lawmakers to fund challenges like child care, transportation and housing to retain talent in the state.

Another push is to fund technology infrastructure in rural areas to help businesses, colleges, hospitals and local governments thrive and provide tax incentives for companies to create jobs in Georgia.