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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Tony Albright (R)

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Legislative Update

Friday, March 28, 2014

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The American dream should not be closed to anyone. While what constitutes the American dream means different things to different people, the implication is that everyone should have an opportunity to succeed and achieve financial security.

2014 is considered an “unsession” for the legislature, to undo the mistakes of previous sessions and get Minnesota moving in a positive direction. Every year should be an unsession, and we should constantly be examining how we can remove burdensome regulations, improve our education system and offer everyone opportunities to succeed—whether they are 18 or 80.

To provide the best possible chance for achievement, we must first prepare Generation Y for the jobs of the future in the fields of science, technology, math and engineering (STEM). These skills are imperative for global competition.

I am pleased that the Prior Lake School District is showing initiative toward this goal, setting up a FAB Lab to give students a hands-on learning experience working with digital fabrication. The district has also partnered with the University of Minnesota on a robotics education program, pairing high school students with grad school mentors. I am pleased to have played a part in joining the University with our high school, and believe the long term benefits of the relationship are substantial.

Both the FAB Lab and the U of M robotics initiative are on the cutting edge of technology, providing kids in our district with comprehensive STEM courses and an advanced skill set.

Technical skills are in high demand in today’s labor market, and parents, educators and the state need to promote options for students. Many high school and tech programs can offer students the skills they need to enter a high paying job almost immediately without a four or six year advanced degree.

For many, it’s not viable to take on tens of thousands of dollars in debt for a diploma. Our young people should not be waking up every morning thinking about their crippling debt—they should be waking up excited about a chance to advance their career and reach their highest potential.

And once workers enter the workforce, Minnesota needs to do a better job of letting job creators and entrepreneurs take control of their own destiny.

In December, the Small Business and Entrepreneurship Council ranked all 50 states on their entrepreneur-friendly policies. Minnesota was near the very bottom of that list at 45 because of our tax and regulatory policies. This is unacceptable if we want to drive our state forward and be an economic engine for success.

A perfect example of the state changing course is the recent repeal of the three harmful business-to-business taxes, originally passed last year and signed into law by Governor Dayton. Republicans repeatedly warned that these taxes would drive businesses across state borders, increase operating costs and cause the layoffs of employees from International Falls to Albert Lea.

Of course, in less than a year, and without the warehousing sales tax ever even being implemented, we saw small businesses leave in droves and create layoffs in these industries. I am glad to see that my friends across the aisle came to their senses to repeal these destructive taxes, but there is more to be done.

Our state government must stop limiting the opportunities of Minnesota’s citizens. As a legislator, I will continue to try and clear the pathway for Minnesotans to find success; not add additional roadblocks along the way.

As always, thank you for the honor and privilege of being your state representative. If I can ever be of assistance to you on a matter of state government, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Tony