Projections summary and emerging issues.

Abstract

This article summarizes the Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for the 1988-2000 period. It focuses on important issues raised by these projections including 1) the relationship of productivity growth to expected future increases in our standard of living 2) our global competitiveness and 3) the extent of educational preparation needed for the types of jobs our economy is increasingly generating particularly for minorities who represent a growing share of the labor force. The problem of a general education shortfall is also discussed.