Governor’s Jobs Bill Exactly What Middle Class Families Need

Billion dollar investment would create thousands of new jobs & strengthen infrastructure

St. Paul – Minnesota’s labor leaders praised Governor Mark Dayton’s proposed jobs and infrastructure package today.

“A jobs and infrastructure bill is one of the best tools our state can use to create much-needed family sustaining private sector jobs,” Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson said.

An analysis from Ken Simonson, Chief Economist of Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America shows an investment of $1 billion in Minnesota would create at least 21,000 to 27,000 new jobs.

Knutson highlighted the infrastructure improvements a jobs bill would bring.

“This bill is a win - win for all Minnesotans,” she added. “It creates a significant amount of private sector jobs and makes our state more ‘livable’ by improving infrastructure, which is an important factor in attracting business.

A jobs and infrastructure investment would bring much-needed help to the construction sector.

“We need these jobs; workers in the building trades have been hit hardest in this recession,” said Harry Melander, President of the Minnesota Building and Construction Trades Council. “While the state’s overall unemployment rate is seven percent, it’s more than 20 percent in the construction sector.”

This session, the Minnesota AFL-CIO is urging lawmakers and Governor Dayton to stay focused on creating jobs that can support a family and solving the state’s revenue shortfall fairly. Knutson said the jobs bill will help accomplish both.

“As jobs increase, the state’s revenue shortfall will decrease,” added Knutson. “We’re hopeful lawmakers will send a comprehensive jobs and infrastructure bill to Governor Dayton’s desk in the coming weeks.”