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State Representative Kim Norton
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-9249
For more information contact: Matt Swenson 651-297-8406
Column/LTE
BUDGET FORECAST EMPHASIZES NEED FOR INVESTMENT IN JOBS AND INNOVATION
To the Editor:
The State of Minnesota is facing a $373 million budget shortfall in the coming year. This is troubling news, and it plainly illustrates the need for making strong investments in job creation, innovation, and education.
Minnesota's State Economist Tom Stinson said it plainly, "Clearly the state needs more jobs." This based on evidence showing that our state's job growth rate is lagging far behind the national average. In Minnesota job growth is currently at 12,000 new jobs per year, while the national average is at 30,000 annually.
Despite these numbers, statistics indicate that the situation is somewhat better in Olmsted County, and Rochester in particular. This is something we can be proud of and shows that the efforts and investments in this community have paid off. Nonetheless, it is important to look at the big picture, as our community's economic vitality is highly dependent on the strength of the state's business climate as a whole.
In order to keep Minnesota economically competitive with other states and maintain our traditionally nation-leading quality of life, our state needs to establish long-term solutions to meet our ongoing challenges. We need to focus our approach from the ground-up and our successful local business leaders can provide advice and guidance to the state as we consider our role in this area.
A strong bonding bill and comprehensive transportation bill will start to move the state economically and so I am looking forward to the coming session to work on these items, despite the grim budget forecast. I have faith in our strong Minnesota constitution (both personal and political) and know we will weather this national economic slump well with our traditional hearty natures, and our forward-thinking efforts.
Our state needs to continue working to secure world-class education opportunities for our PreK-12 and higher education students, investing in workforce development, and encouraging entrepreneurial business growth in new and high potential industries – particularly in outstate Minnesota. In doing so, Minnesota will own the competitive edge it needs to thrive in a 21st Century global economy.
Please continue contacting me by phone at (651) 296-9249 or by email at rep.kim.norton@house.mn.
Kim Norton
State Representative
News Items
- Rep. Norton Selected as Vice Chair of House Health and Human Services Finance Committee - (Posted: 2012-12-14 00:00:00)
- It’s Time for Legislature to Get Back to Basics, Balance the Budget Honestly - (Posted: 2012-12-11 00:00:00)
- Second Saturday Coffee Meeting Date Changed to December 9 - (Posted: 2012-12-03 00:00:00)
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