2013-2014 Wrap Up: Job Creation

Dear neighbors,

Last week, the Department of Employment and Economic reported that Minnesota added 10,300 jobs in May. Our unemployment rate is down to 4.6 percent statewide, well below the US rate of 6.3 percent. Dakota County’s unemployment rate in May was even lower, at 3.9 percent.

Our economy is continuing to grow — and has more than recovered the jobs lost during the Great Recession — but we know that the economic recovery has not been felt by everyone. That’s why over the last two years, the legislature made important investments in proven job creation programs that are already building on our momentum.

In addition to job creation efforts in last year’s budget, we cut business taxes by $350 million and passed a package of Capitol Investment bills that will provide funding for local infrastructure projects in communities across the state.

Repealing the Warehouse Tax

This session, I led the charge to repeal business-to-business taxes, including the warehouse tax. I voted against the 2013 Tax Bill that included the warehouse tax and immediately got to work with our local businesses, legislators from both parties, and constituents to find a way to repeal it. Repealing this tax will help our local businesses retain jobs in our area and potentially expand in the future.

Investing in Job Creation

The 2013 Jobs Bill appropriated $54 million for the Minnesota Investment Fund and the Job Creation Fund, which will be used to provide financial incentives to encourage out-of-state companies to set up shop in MN and for existing businesses to bring in new employees.

Cutting Business Taxes

Last year, the Legislature enacted one of the largest business tax cuts in state history, reducing taxes by $350 million for Minnesota businesses by lowering Unemployment Insurance taxes.

Investing in Job Training

We invested in customized job training and workforce development programs like FastTRAC and Twin Cities Rise. These programs are set up to give workers the training they need to get back to work. Set up through partnerships with local MnSCU campuses and organizations, these training programs can be customized to meet the needs of the businesses in their area.

Investing in our Infrastructure

A package of Capitol Investment bills that is estimated to create thousands of jobs statewide by putting people to work repairing roads, bridges, schools, and local infrastructure in communities across Minnesota. The next legislature must make transportation infrastructure a priority.

Women’s Economic Security Act

This year, we enacted the Women’s Economic Security Act. The package aims to close the gender pay gap, strengthen workplace protections and flexibility for pregnant mothers, and expand employment opportunities for women in high-wage, high-demand professions.

These investments will make a significant impact on communities across Minnesota. The grants and loans available through the jobs creation funds at DEED have already helped create new jobs.

After years of slashing budgets, we took a more balanced approach this session. We made investments in proven job creation programs that can help local businesses set up shop and expand their operations.

We’re making progress, but we know there is more work to be done. We need to continue moving forward and continue fighting for Minnesota’s middle class. I want to continue to work on ideas and policies that help older workers who were by the Great Recession and are still struggling to catch up to their previous income or employment levels.

Updates from the Dakota-Scott WorkForce Centers and Workforce Investment Board

I wanted to take a moment to pass along some helpful information from the great folks at the Dakota-Scott Workforce Centers and Workforce Investment Board.

June 26th Mini Job Fair at Burnsville WorkForce Center -  http://mn.gov/deed/events/jobseeker-events/index.jsp?trumbaEmbed=view%3Devent%26eventid%3D110584599.  Thirty companies are participating.

July 9th Veteran’s Job Fair - http://mn.gov/deed/events/vcf14/index.jsp.

Job Fair Video - Preparation is key for a job fair. Be sure to take a look at the video Prepare Yourself for a Job Fair: http://vimeo.com/user17303896/review/67538141/8f04723b0a.

Employment Outcomes Tool - This new tool helps students link fields of study to best opportunities for jobs and wages. http://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/graduate-employment-outcomes.jsp.

Jobs - 79,000+ jobs posted!  www.minnesotaworks.net is free for both employers and job seekers to use. 

WorkForce Center Events and Workshops - For a list of all workshops offered in Dakota and Scott counties, go to http://mn.gov/deed/job-seekers/workforce-centers/workshops/metro-workshops.jsp. Examples include Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, LinkedIn – Getting Started, Networking and much, much more.

Meet With Employers - Numerous companies meet with job seekers in WorkForce Center resource rooms as “Business of the Day.” For a calendar of employers and locations, go to:  http://mn.gov/deed/events/jobseeker-events/index.jsp. 

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for the honor of serving you in the Minnesota House of Representatives.

Sincerely,

Laurie Halverson

State Representative

District 51B