Paul Thissen: Innovation in Action

We Need to Redouble Efforts to Get People Back to Work

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released its most recent jobs report. Although the report showed the unemployed rate had dropped to 5.9%, it revealed 13,700 jobs were lost in November and over 22,900 jobs have been lost in the last three months.

The recent economic news nationally and in Minnesota has shown positive signs for our economy, but there are still nearly 200,000 Minnesotans out of work. It’s clear Minnesota faces a persistent jobs deficit that demands our attention and action. While there are signs our economy is headed in the right direction, now is not the time to sit on our hands.

We need to step up our game in seeking solutions that create jobs by strengthen strengthening the middle class and support the many bold Minnesotans who are striving to embark on new careers. Rising property taxes on middle class homeowners and small businesses has made it harder. So have unfair policies that protect wealthy special interests at the expense of the majority if Minnesotans.

The recipe for Minnesota’s success and prosperity is to build a broad and prosperous middle class, where everyone plays by the same rules and has a fair opportunity to succeed. That’s how we will rebuild our economy and create good paying jobs and new careers for hardworking Minnesotans.”

Manufacturing

The Vision:

A strong manufacturing sector is a key part of my plan to rebuild Minnesota and its economy. We must ensure jobs that will support a family and lead the next wave of innovation in our state.

The Details:

The major challenge facing manufacturing in Minnesota is its cost structure. Manufacturing businesses fail — or can’t get started — when costs per unit are too high. As governor, I will work with labor, business and local communities to address structural cost issues.

Improve productivity to reduce costs. Minnesota has a strong tradition of a highly trained, productive workforce. To maintain those expectations we must reduce tuition at our community and technical colleges . To ensure jobs are being filled as needed, we must connect higher education administrators with the labor and business community so that students are learning necessary skills. Beyond that, we should offer “education breaks,” with free training and retraining at community and technical colleges, for employees of out-of-state manufacturers that want to expand in Minnesota.

Reduce the cost of new equipment. First, we must enact an upfront sales tax exemption on heavy equipment. Second, we can reduce the cost of borrowing the money to make those investments by providing low-interest loans or grants.

Maintain production costs. I am committed to a robust investment in Minnesota’s roads and bridges to reduce congestion and energy consumption. In addition, a Thissen administration will encourage growth in areas where Minnesota excels — food processing, energy conservation, biotech, paper and printing — rather than chasing the next “new thing.”

Reduce energy costs. I am currently working to bring the PACE loan program to Minnesota for manufacturers, providing low-interest loans to finance energy efficiency retrofits and renewable energy systems. Communities will reap immediate savings on their energy costs and businesses will repay their loans via an annual charge on their property tax bill. In addition to lowering costs, such a program would address regulatory barriers that may plague manufacturers concerning greenhouse gas emissions and other environmental concerns.

Provide technical assistance. We can open manufacturers’ access to export markets and provide a network of trainers, mentors and counselors to improve their chances for success in building high-growth businesses. A Thissen administration will initiate a “one-stop shop” to provide manufacturers with a single point of contact for programs designed to foster innovation, enable commercialization and help navigate government regulation.