Thinking About Labor Shortages and Overages

Two stories to ponder.  From the current issue of the Economist - Skilled Labor: Behind the Scenes:

"More than half of the country's tradesmen are aged over 45.  According to the Department of Labor, America will need 41,700 more cement masons, 114,700 more electricians and 218,200 more carpenters by 218,200."

From the Dallas Morning News yesterday by Tom Benning - Making Good on Vow of Change:

"The need for an increased focus on wellness focus {obviously not a University of Missouri J-School graduate!!}  became apparent earlier this year, Gonzalez {City of Dallas City Manager} said, when it was shown that 80 percent of those insured under the city's {City of Dallas} health plan were overweight or obese.  That ultimately costs the city tens of millions of dollars in preventable expenses."