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State Representative Patti Fritz
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-8237
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
Press/News Releases
JOBS ARE THE CLEAREST PATH TO ECONOMIC RECOVERY
It's no secret that most Minnesotans are feeling some anxiety about the economy. For many, it goes beyond the daily news stories right into their homes; higher food prices, energy prices, a weak housing market and unemployment are all concerns.
History has shown us that during times of economic downturn, the clearest path to recovery is to put people to work. Just as President Roosevelt understood this in the 30's, we understand now that when people have jobs, their quality of life improves, their confidence in the economy rises, and they help stimulate growth with their spending. In other words, we all do better when more of us are working.
Job creation was a top priority for me during the 2008 session. Two of the most significant bills we passed, the transportation bill and the bonding bill, are expected to create thousands of new construction jobs and thousands more spin-off jobs across the state, including hundreds of new jobs right here in our communities.
State Chamber of Commerce officers are calling the passing of the transportation bill a "triumph for Minnesota". This bill will create over 30 thousand jobs every year over the next five years, and will greatly improve the safety of our local roads and bridges. Over the next ten years, Rice County will receive an additional $12, 850 million for local transportation projects; Steele County will receive close to $11 million. In addition, the city of Faribault will receive close to $2.3 million, and Owatonna will receive just under $3 million. These dollars will go a long ways toward improving both our economy and our local transportation system.
The bonding bill included significant funding for area projects, including another $16 million for Phase III of the Faribault prison expansion, money for classroom renovation and addition design at South Central College, and $100 for Frechette Hall at the State Academies for the Deaf.
All together, it is estimated these two bills will create 400 immediate jobs in the Faribault area. At a time when many communities are watching jobs leave, we are very fortunate to have substantial new job creation taking place. It isn't just the workers who benefit, but our entire community gains when people are working and spending their earnings at local businesses.
I also worked hard over the last four years to improve conditions for workers at long-term care facilities in our state. For over three years, these dedicated caregivers went without a cost of living increase. Over the past two years alone, I authored legislation that provides them with a 2% COLA in each year, in addition to another increase as a result of rate rebasing. Creating new jobs is essential, but it is also important to improve benefits so workers can afford to stay at the jobs they have.
We also passed an increase in the minimum wage last session, but the Governor vetoed it. With the cost of basic living expenses on the rise, I believe the minimum wage should be increased, as well. I will work to advance this legislation again next session, and this time, I'm optimistic we can offer those who work at the lowest end of the pay scale a small increase in wages.
Please feel free to contact me on this or any other issue. I can be reached at (651) 296-8237, 551 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.patti.fritz@house.mn.
News Items
- STATE REP. PATTI FRITZ PARTICIPATES IN START OF LEGISLATIVE SESSION - (Posted: Jan 9 2013 3:32PM)
- Rep. Fritz: Homeowners, Farmers Need Property Tax Relief - (Posted: 2012-05-01 00:00:00)
- Rep. Fritz: Let’s Vote on a Bonding Bill that Benefits All - (Posted: 2012-04-19 00:00:00)
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