To the editor:
It’s budget time at the State Capitol and I wanted to highlight the House proposals for major priorities in our community: jobs, economic development, and education.
The Jobs and Economic Development package supports businesses and will grow jobs through:
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A substantial $350 million tax cut for Minnesota employers through a reduction in the unemployment insurance tax rate.
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An $18 million job creation fund which is used as a tool to help businesses make capital investments and create jobs in Minnesota.
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$5 million for a Fast Trac program that works to provide local employers with the skilled workers they need to grow, in response to the growing “skills gap.
The House Education Budget provides a significant investment in our future workforce. It fully funds all-day kindergarten and invests in early learning scholarships — proven tools to improve test scores, close the achievement gap, and raise graduation rates. The plan also pays back the $854 million school shift.
The House Education Budget also increases the basic funding formula for K-12 schools by over $315 million, or $209 per pupil. The plan would provide a formula increase of $3 million or $113 per-pupil in fiscal year 2014 and an increase of $12.1 million or $452 per-pupil in fiscal year 2015 for our local schools.
As I talk with Eagan business leaders, I hear the need for economic development and job training to attract businesses and train workers for the jobs available now and the need for an educated workforce. Investments in economic development and education will bring new innovations and train our kids for the jobs of the future.
As always, feel free contact me with any questions, concerns, or ideas on any legislative topic. You can reach me at 651-296-4128 or rep.laurie.halverson@house.mn.
Sincerely,
Laurie Halverson
State Representative
District 51B