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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
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JOBS TASK FORCE BEGINS AGGRESSIVE EFFORT TO PUT STATE ECONOMY BACK ON TRACK
ST. PAUL, MN - A bipartisan House Jobs Task Force met at the State Capitol today to discuss the ongoing recession and legislative efforts to speed Minnesota’s economic recovery. Working with economic experts and business leaders, the Jobs Task Force will develop a jobs plan for the 2010 Legislative Session that will build on last year’s initiatives and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The group’s efforts will have special emphasis on bio business, construction and green jobs.
“A quarter of a million Minnesotans are out of work," said State Representative Kim Norton (DFL - Rochester) who was appointed to serve on the task force by House Speaker Margaret Anderson-Kelliher. “In recent months we’ve seen the recession begin to slow - and some economists are beginning to predict when it will end. But there may be things we can do right now to keep moving our economy in the right direction. That’s why the work of this task force is so important.”
Rep. Norton points out that Rochester’s local economy is performing better than most other areas of the state. She credits Rochester’s health care industry, strong schools, and competitive local businesses.
“Throughout this recession Rochester has been a cornerstone of economic strength and endurance,” Norton said. “But we haven’t been untouched by this economy. More than 3,500 people are out of work in Rochester, our friends and neighbors. Working together, with input from the public and broader business community, we will do everything possible to get them back on the job.”
The Jobs Task Force will continue to meet throughout the coming months. Their work will serve as the foundation for an aggressive policy platform in the 2010 session that will put Minnesota’s economy back on track.
“Government can’t solve the problem,” said Rep. Norton. “But we can make certain we don’t exacerbate the situation. By building a more supportive, competitive economic environment we can help sustain long-term economic recovery. That will require sound investments in our economic infrastructure and human capital.”
“When session begins, we will be ready,” said Norton. “State Economist Tom Stinson has told us time and again that those states that prepare well for recovery will be the ones who come out of this recession stronger and more competitive than before. We’re going to be prepared, and we’re going to do everything we can to put Minnesota back to work as quickly as possible.”
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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