Common ground needed at Capitol
Published 7:49 am Sunday, February 19, 2012
Column: Capital Conversations, by Rich Murray
On Wednesday, Gov. Mark Dayton gave his annual State of the State address in the Minnesota House chamber. Obviously, I was happy to hear him discuss making government more efficient, and I was pleased to hear him address job creation.
Personally, I’m looking for more long-term jobs than what the governor discussed, and thought his speech lacked substance in that regard. The governor wants to borrow $775 million on a capital investment plan that would fund construction projects around the state.
While I’ll be glad to put some of our construction folks back to work, capital investment jobs are only temporary. I want to see more permanent, long term jobs created in the private sector — positions that will still be in existence 10 years from now.
Education was also a top talking point, and it is a critical need for our state. I’ve had discussions with officials from the University of Minnesota, MnSCU and Riverland Community College in Albert Lea and am well aware of the need for a better educated workforce that will benefit Minnesota over the coming decades.
Right now, some industries can’t fill certain jobs because the current workforce doesn’t have the education needed to be successful. A key to a prosperous state is a highly skilled workforce, and we must make this happen.
Finally, the governor talked about working together in a bipartisan fashion. Legislative leadership has talked about this as well. It’s now time for both sides to do a little less talking and a lot more doing. We need to get to work and help solve Minnesota’s most pressing problems.
State funds not used for day care union dues
The Minnesota House of Representatives has approved legislation that will prevent automatic state deductions from child care assistance payments, a move that will protect in-home day care providers from potentially being forced into paying union dues against their will.
Many local day care providers are concerned by Gov. Dayton’s attempt to unionize those who care for our kids. If unionization happens, this legislation ensures the state won’t automatically deduct union dues from their paychecks.
Last fall, Gov. Dayton called for a unionization election among a small percentage of all Minnesota day care providers — purposely prohibiting more than 60 percent of them from having a voice in the final decision. While this order was targeted toward childcare providers who receive state government subsidies, I believe unionization would eventually impact all providers across the state through more paperwork, increased red tape and a higher cost of doing business.
A temporary restraining order was issued against Gov. Dayton’s day care unionization executive order in January, so the final outcome of this maneuver is unclear. Many day care providers believe unions dues will be mandated among all if unionization occurs, which is why this bill came forward.
There’s enough concern coming from day care providers right now that immediate action needed to be taken. It’s important to remember that this bill does not prevent unionization, but it does prevent state money from being used to pay union dues, and maintains freedom for those providers who may not want to join.
Bringing new jobs to southern Minnesota
This week, I signed on to legislation that will, without a doubt, bring dozens of new jobs to southern Minnesota.
The bill would dedicate $14 million in bonding proceeds to design, construct, furnish and equip the expansion of the Hormel Institute in Austin.
Many bonding projects — like civic centers — are called jobs proposals by the bill author in hopes of securing legislative support. But in this instance, the expansion of the Hormel Institute will not only create jobs for folks in the construction industry, but 100 new employees will also be hired to work in the facility once the project is complete.
This proposal will not only be a benefit to our friends and neighbors in Austin, but some of the job creation likely will filter into Albert Lea and surrounding communities and allow us to put new, permanent jobs on the ground in southern Minnesota.
Have a question or concern? Constituents in District 27A including communities in Freeborn and Mower counties can write to me at 439 State Office Building, 100 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155. Or call me at 651-296-8216 or email me at rep.rich.murray@house.mn.
Rich Murray, R-Albert Lea, is the state representative for House District 27A.