To the editor:
On September 19, the Department of Employment & Economic Development (DEED) released Minnesota’s jobs and unemployment numbers for August of this year. As you may have heard, the State gained 12,200 jobs in August, which means we’ve officially gained back all the jobs that were lost during the recession that started in February of 2008. Our unemployment rate is now down to 5.1% compared to the national average of 7.3%.
Over the past twelve months, the Minnesota economy has added 56,900 jobs. This growth rate far exceeds the rate for Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and our other Midwestern neighbors. For the metro area specifically, economic growth for 2012 has been 3.9%. That growth means more jobs for people in our communities. For the first part of this year, job vacancies are the highest they’ve been since 2001.
New businesses are setting up shop. Existing businesses are expanding their operations and adding new jobs. This kind of job growth is great for our economy and state!
Minnesota has a lot to offer. We have an educated workforce, we have wonderful communities, and we’re willing to invest in the things that make us great. Businesses want to set up shop in a state that invests in education and workforce training. They want to expand in communities that offer quality public services.
This year, our budget invested in our schools, provided funding to relieve property taxes for families, seniors and businesses, and tripled funding for job creation. These new numbers from DEED demonstrate how important it is to invest in the things we value most. When we invest in our schools, our communities, and our businesses, it demonstrates our commitment to a build a strong economy.
Connie Bernardy