For more information contact: Michael Howard 651-296-8873
Saint Paul, Minnesota - Minority Leader Paul Thissen released the following statement following the jobs report released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). Although the report showed the unemployed rate had dropped to 5.9%, it revealed 13,700 jobs were lost in November and over 22,900 jobs have been lost in the last three months.
“The recent economic news nationally and in Minnesota has shown positive signs for our economy, but there are still nearly 200,000 Minnesotans out of work. It’s clear Minnesota faces a persistent jobs deficit that demands our attention and action. While there are signs our economy is headed in the right direction, now is not the time to sit on our hands.
We need to step up our game in seeking solutions that create jobs by strengthening the middle class and supporting the many bold Minnesotans who are striving to embark on new careers. Rising property taxes on middle class homeowners and small businesses has made it harder. So have unfair policies that protect wealthy special interests at the expense of the majority if Minnesotans.
The recipe for Minnesota’s success and prosperity is to build a broad and prosperous middle class, where everyone plays by the same rules and has a fair opportunity to succeed. That’s how we will rebuild our economy and create good paying jobs and new careers for hardworking Minnesotans."
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