Arkansas' Mature Worker Initiative

Arkansas' "Mature Worker Initiative" is an effort to stem a shrinking workforce caused by retirement of many Baby Boomers.

AR Gov. Mike Huckabee said the program recognizes the value of older, experienced workers who otherwise may soon be retiring. Huckabee cited U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data that shows 43 percent of the existing workforce will reach retirement eligibility by 2012. The report said younger generations are 15 percent smaller than their Baby Boom predecessors.

Many younger people also are not qualified as replacements, Huckabee said." More frightening is the fact that the people that we're losing are the most seasoned, experienced, knowledgeable people of how their particular jobs are done," he said.Arkansas is one of four states partnering with AARP as pilot locations for the initiative. Arizona, Iowa and Mississippi are the other states participating in the program.

More here.