Dear neighbor,
The House and Senate have both passed the Jobs, Commerce, Energy and Housing Budget Bill to reverse a decade of cuts to economic development and grow new jobs in St. Cloud and Minnesota.
I have heard from countless St. Cloud residents that job creation and economic development need to be a top priority. I agree that strengthening our economy is key to making sure Minnesota has a successful future, and I supported the jobs bill because I believe that it will help to keep our state competitive.
One of the most important parts of the jobs bill provides businesses with a $346 million tax cut. As a part-owner of a bar and restaurant I am a big supporter of efforts to help out small businesses, and this provision will go a long way to reduce costs for employers. The tax cut is the biggest of its kind in Minnesota history, and will provide the average employer $150 per employee. The cut is achieved by reducing the rate that employers pay into the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund.
In addition to the tax cut to businesses, the bill invests in proven strategies to create jobs here in Minnesota. The bill includes funding for the Minnesota Investment Fund (MIF), one of the state’s leading job creation tools. MIF attracts new businesses to Minnesota by providing financial incentives to companies looking to set up shop in Minnesota, and to in-state companies looking to expand. This is one of several examples to attract new business and increase jobs in the state.
Minnesota currently has a Trade Office in China, and the jobs bill will create three additional Trade Offices in other parts of the world to bring Minnesota products to the global marketplace. The Trade Offices help introduce Minnesota businesses to other parts of the world.
Lastly, the jobs bill includes workforce development initiatives to target the current “skills gap” faced as employers have job openings but workers lack needed skills. The jobs bill includes a new apprentice program for manufacturers through a partnership with MnSCU institutions, funding for the Job Skills Partnership and FastTRAC, and regular reports on the occupations that are in the highest demand. These initiatives will help Minnesota workers find high-demand employment in the state.
As always, please be in touch with questions and comments. The legislative session must adjourn on Monday, May 20, and we will be working through the weekend to wrap up legislation. I can be reached by phone at (651) 296-6612 or by email at rep.zachary.dorholt@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Zach Dorholt
State Representative