Dear Neighbors,
This will be my last "e-mail update" of the 2013-2014 legislative term, by far the most successful two years Minnesota has seen in a long time.
Over the past two years, DFLers raised revenue--mainly in the form of higher taxes from the wealthiest Minnesotans--and spent the money on education, health care, economic development, and tax cuts targeted to low and middle-income Minnesotans. We also raised the minimum wage and took other steps to increase the economic security of working families. How have these policies affected our state's overall well-being?
Throughout this legislative term we have heard a litany of gloom and doom about our economic policies from Republicans, talking about our "bad business climate" and that wealthy people would take their money and businesses to a cheaper state. But these predictions have not panned out. Our progressive policies seem to be working very, very well.
Minnesota's economy is not an island: to some extent it rises and falls with the rest of the nation no matter what lawmakers do in St. Paul. Nevertheless, different state approaches to taxation, health care, economic development, and education and other policies can bring very different results. Our state still has many challenges, but I think the information below confirms that our progressive direction is working. I hope you agree.
Thank you for your interest in the work of the Minnesota Legislature. Although this is my last e-mail update for the year, I am still working in Rochester and in St. Paul and will still read my email. Please continue to contact me with your questions, comments, and concerns. It is a privilege serving as your State Representative!
Warmly,
Tina
Unemployment at lowest level in seven years:
According to our most recent jobs report, Minnesota employers added over 10,000 jobs in May, bringing our unemployment rate down to the lowest level in seven years. The manufacturing sector added a healthy 2,900 new jobs, a key sector of our workforce that ripples across others. In addition, Minnesota added another 3,800 new construction jobs, which shows that businesses and communities are expanding.
From the time the 2013-2014 legislative session began, Minnesota has added well over 50,000 jobs – restoring all the jobs lost during the worst recession since the Great Depression. Now, there are more jobs in Minnesota than at any time in our state’s history.
Budget outlook stable and strong:
According to the most recent economic report from Minnesota Management and Budget, general fund revenue for Fiscal Year 2014 came in at $168 million more than projected in February 2014. Most of that extra revenue came from income tax receipts, a key metric that shows job creation continues to grow. We also now have $150 million more revenue in our budget reserves, which will help provide a better financial cushion in future economic downturns, protecting vital services and needs like education, health care and infrastructure.
Click here for more information from Minnesota Public Radio.
Minnesota ranked sixth best state for business:
Minnesota is the sixth best state for business in the entire country according to CNBC’s eighth annual “America’s Top State’s for Business.” With last year’s ranking at 13th place, our current ranking shows that we continue to build on our positive economic momentum. The rankings cite Minnesota’s “superior quality of life, a vibrant economy and a robust infrastructure” as a few of the biggest reasons behind our success.
Minnesota ranked third best state to make a living:
Forbes recently ranked Minnesota the third best state to make a living, up from being ranked sixth last year due to our “very low unemployment rate and excellent workplace conditions.”A diverse economy and well-educated workforce are big reasons why our median household income and our quality of life is consistently above the national average.
Minnesota ranked second for talent pipeline:
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce recently ranked Minnesota second in the nation for our ‘talent pipeline’ – a key metric of the skills and talents of our workforce. The report says, “Ranked 2nd for its talent pipeline in this year's report, Minnesota is strengthening workforce skills and economic growth by bringing multiple stakeholders to the table to work in partnership.”
In addition to the initiatives mentioned in the report, our increased investments in education--such as all-day Kindergarten, preschool scholarships, more funding for every student and a two-year college tuition freeze--are helping to build an even better workforce.
Minnesota ranks first on AARP’s long-term care scorecard:
Minnesota was named number one among states on the 2014 State Long Term Services and Support Scorecard, sponsored by the AARP, The Commonwealth Fund and The Scan Foundation. This reflects our state's efforts to help older adults and people with disabilities live at home and receive high-quality services. Minnesota scored in the top 25 percent among states in the five areas measured: affordability and access, choice of setting and provider, quality of life and quality of care, support for family caregivers and effective transitions. Minnesota also ranked first when the scorecard was originally produced in 2011.
An executive summary released with the scorecard states that where a person lives matters because large differences exist across states in how well they prepare for future demands on long-term services and supports.