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State Representative Tim Mahoney
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4277
For more information contact: Jessica Nyman 651-296-8877
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REP. MAHONEY, DFL LEGISLATORS BUILD ON DFL JOBS PLAN WITH NEW INITIATIVES
(St. Paul) –Citing the need to make jobs the top priority in 2012, State Representative Tim Mahoney (DFL – St. Paul) and DFL representatives introduced a set of policy initiatives today designed to put Minnesotans back to work. Mahoney’s initiatives build upon the DFL jobs plan introduced by Governor Dayton and DFL legislators earlier this month. They include efforts to reduce the skills gap with workforce development, making capital more accessible for small businesses, and promoting “buy Minnesota" policies. Mahoney said he hoped legislators would work together to move these proposals forward quickly.
“Minnesotans desperately want their Legislators to focus on job creation and making Minnesota’s economy strong again,” said Rep. Mahoney, DFL-Lead on the House Jobs and Economic Development Finance Committee. “That is why we are introducing common sense job creation proposals that we know can get Minnesotans back to work quickly. With over 150,000 Minnesotans out of work, it’s time for us to move past the partisan gridlock and get something done to create jobs.”
The DFL Jobs Plan introduced earlier in January focused on providing small businesses with new incentives to create jobs, improving workforce development and training, and investing in infrastructure. The additional provisions introduced by Representative Mahoney and DFL legislators build upon these proven strategies to create jobs.
The initiatives introduced today include:
Bridge to Work Minnesota: Creates a pilot program to help unemployed Minnesotans get a foot in the door with a Minnesota employer. The pilot program would assist up to 5,000 unemployed workers re-enter the workforce by providing a wage supplement. The workers would participate in an on-the-job training program with a Minnesota employer. With a foot in the door and training for a new career, unemployed Minnesotans can position themselves to receive a good-paying job at the end of the training period.
Buy Minnesota: Minnesota can grow our economy by awarding state projects, contracts, and purchases to Minnesota firms. This proposal gives a tie-bid preference to Minnesota businesses and products made, manufactured or grown in Minnesota. The proposal also encourages Minnesota schools and local governments to purchase from and contract with in-state businesses.
Buying Minnesota-made products can improve Minnesota’s economy. A recent study showed that 68 cents of every dollar spent on a local purchase stayed in the local/state economy compared to 43 cents of a dollar spent at a retail chain.
Access to Capital for Small Business Expansion: This legislation appropriates additional resources for existing small business revolving loan funds that offer loans and gap financing for small businesses in need of capital. The micro-lending programs at the six Initiative Foundations and Urban Initiative Partners supplement existing private and state loan providers. Since 1985, the six Initiative Foundations have leveraged more than $1 billion and created or retained more than 40,000 jobs.
Minority Leader Paul Thissen said the House DFL caucus would be touring the state over the precinct caucus break to pitch their jobs plan directly to Minnesotans.
“Time is of the essence this session and we need a true laser focus on jobs. That’s the message we plan on taking to Minnesotans across the state in the next few days,” said Thissen. “Ultimately, it’s our hope Republicans will recognize middle class Minnesotans' sense of urgency to set aside distracting constitutional amendments so we can focus on the issues that really matter to them – getting people back to work and building a prosperous economic future.”
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News Items
- House Passes Robust Jobs Bill to Spur Statewide Job Creation - (Posted: Apr 15 2013 9:36PM)
- DFL Legislators Introduce the “Contraceptive Equity Act” - (Posted: 2012-03-07 00:00:00)
- DFL Jobs Initiatives to be Heard in House Jobs and Economic Development Committee - (Posted: 2012-02-29 00:00:00)
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