Dear neighbors,
Over the past year, we heard a lot of talk from Republicans about how the DFL’s progressive, inclusive and forward-thinking policies would cripple our economy and send businesses and residents fleeing across the border to Wisconsin. Well, it turns out the sky isn’t falling. None of their doom-and-gloom predictions came true.
The facts show that Minnesota is moving toward a brighter future. By no means should we be satisfied with where we are at – we must always strive and work harder to expand prosperity, justice, and opportunity for all – but thanks to the compassionate policies the legislature passed during the remarkably productive 2013-2014 session, Minnesota is well positioned to build on our progress in the years ahead.
Here are some of my favorite headlines from the past couple of months that shows our state is on the right track.
Minnesota’s jobless rate at lowest level in seven years:
According to most recent jobs report from the Department of Employment and Economic Development, Minnesota employers added over 10,000 in May, pushing our jobless rate down to 4.6 percent – the lowest level in seven years and well below the national jobless rate of 6.3 percent in May. An employment report for June 2014 will be released on Thursday, July 17.
Minneapolis-St. Paul has lowest unemployment rate in the country:
Our metropolitan area boasts an unemployment rate of four percent – the lowest of any major metropolitan area in the country.
Minnesota has the second highest number of insured residents in the country:
Thanks to MNsure, our online health insurance marketplace that offers the lowest premium rates in the nation, the number of uninsured Minnesotans was reduced by nearly half. Now, 95 percent of Minnesotans have health insurance, the second best insured rate in the nation!
It’s also important to note that insurance companies can no longer deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, charge women higher premiums than men or cap the amount of care you receive in a year.
Minnesota ranked sixth best state for business:
According to CNBC’s eighth annual “America’s Top State’s for Business” report, Minnesota is the sixth best state for business in the entire country – a strong improvement from being ranked 13th last year. The rankings cite Minnesota’s “superior quality of life, a vibrant economy and a robust infrastructure” as a few of the major reasons for our success.
Stay in touch:
Although this is my final legislative report of 2014, I am still able to answer emails and communicate with you on an individual basis. Please do not hesitate to get in touch if I can be of any assistance in any matter. You can reach me by phone at (651) 296-9714 or by email at rep.carlos.mariani@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Carlos Mariani
State Representative, District 65B
Chair, Education Policy Committee