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State Representative Andrew Falk
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4228
For more information contact: Jenny Nash 651-296-4122
NEWS COLUMN
On February 15, Governor Mark Dayton gave his second State of the State Address
On February 15, Governor Mark Dayton gave his second State of the State Address to a joint legislative session outlining his vision to create jobs, reform government, and improve the overall quality of life in our state. He called on the Republican leadership of the House and Senate to move past previous disagreements and to bring their best ideas to the table. He in turn would bring his best ideas and by working on the areas of agreement we could all move forward for the people of Minnesota.
Governor Dayton cautioned that he is not interested in highly partisan bills that are more meant for campaign literature than for solving real problems. Those bills would be met with a swift veto. Once again, Governor Dayton continues to show fantastic leadership and judgment all while remaining a consummate statesman. I agree with Governor Dayton; we do not have time for hyper-partisan distraction issues – jobs and the economy must be our top priority!
Last week, I outlined three jobs proposals that Governor Dayton and DFL legislators brought forward – 1) tax credits for businesses that hire veterans, recent college graduates, and the long-term unemployed, 2) Opportunity grants to help Minnesotans go back to school to upgrade their skills, and 3) Bridges to Work that helps get people off of unemployment and reduces the costs associated with training new employees for businesses. In addition to these proposals, Governor Dayton also called for an expansion of the highly successful FastTRAC initiative, which integrates basic skills education with career specific training. If you would like to learn more, check out: www.mnfasttrac.org/
I continue to support a substantial and comprehensive bonding bill that rebuilds our crumbling infrastructure. The time could not be more appropriate to invest in our roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. Due to the lingering effects of the Great Recession, the bids for materials and labor are coming in significantly lower than previously anticipated and interest rates are at or near historic lows. Our state’s dollars go much farther under these circumstances. Part of being fiscally conservative is knowing when to invest wisely. That time is now!
I believe all of these proposals could pass the House and Senate in a strongly bi-partisan fashion if the Republican leadership would just allow a floor vote. But that is the challenge; actually getting to the floor. Instead, the Republican leadership continues to focus on divisive distractions and constitutional amendments. Let’s get to work, compromise, and actually address the real issues that Minnesotans care about – jobs and the economy.
News Items
- Budget Forecast: Major budget problems remain for 2014-15 Fiscal crisis in Washington creates uncertainty and concerns - (Posted: Dec 5 2012 12:00AM)
- Budget Forecast: Major budget problems remain for 2014-15 Fiscal crisis in Washington creates uncertainty and concerns - (Posted: 2012-12-05 00:00:00)
- 2012 SESSION WRAP UP - (Posted: 2012-07-05 00:00:00)
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