Issue Briefs
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.”
Aging and Seniors: the Vision and the Details
The Vision:
We should build communities that allow all ages to thrive and help older Minnesotans live independently and with dignity.
The Details:
The aging of our population and the effect it will have on our state does not receive nearly enough attention. I have been leading the effort to find creative solutions to the challenges posed by the retirement of the baby boomer generation, before they materialize. In the next quarter-century, Minnesota’s over-65 population will increase nearly twice as much as all other age categories combined. This will be an unprecedented change in our workforce and will put new strains on a state budget already facing record deficits. We must act with innovation and urgency.
Care Giving:
All of us are better off if older Minnesotans stay in the neighborhoods where they feel comfortable and continue to be actively involved in the community. Strong support for home and community-based services is essential.
The most cost-effective and many times the most desirable way to get needed care to older Minnesotans is with assistance from friends and family. I am the author of the Caregiver’s Protection Act, which supports family members who act as caregivers with a tax credit, and expands the current—and highly effective—respite care network in the state. In addition, we should facilitate the use of assistive devices and other low-cost technologies, as well as modifications to homes that will allow people to stay in their homes longer and remain mobile.
Planning Ahead:
Under our current system, too many Minnesotans are having to spend themselves into poverty to get needed long term care services. That dynamic needs to change. The State should work in partnership with the private sector to encourage employees to contribute to retirement and long-term care accounts. We should offer tax incentives for retirement and long-term care savings. And the state must ensure that public pensions remain safe, sufficient, and accountable.
Community Planning:
The State should recognize and support Minnesota cities and towns that plan their communities to meet the unique needs of older Minnesotans: robust transit options, integrated living and shopping areas, volunteer opportunities for seniors. In 2008, I passed the first phase of a Community for a Lifetime designation program for cities and towns that meet rigorous “elder friendly” standards. As governor, I will work in partnership with local communities to make that vision a reality.
Next Generation Nursing Homes:
At some point in life, many Minnesotans will need more highly-skilled care than can be provided in their homes. Unfortunately, today many nursing homes and assisted living facilities are under overwhelming financial stress. Let’s first serve the workers who serve our parents and grandparents in those facilities. We must look at system-wide innovation to move from from long-term nursing home stays to shorter-stay rehab programs, and invest in facilities designed for residents with Alzheimer’s and other degenerative diseases.
Agriculture
The Vision:
Strong family farms are essential to the continued viability of rural communities and to our entire state. I will fight to provide stability and predictability, as well as new opportunities, to allow family farmers to thrive — for this generation and the next.
The Details:
Farm consolidation and development pressures are squeezing family farmers ability to compete for fair prices. We must help our farmers grow their operations and compete in the marketplace. I will work with federal partners to provide needed support and I will enforce Minnesota’s corporate farm laws.
We also need to provide resources for today’s farmers to grow and update their operations and allow them to pass their farms on to the next generation. We should explore tax credits and loans for farmers to create value-added, farmer-owned enterprises. We must invest in research and development on new energy and craft laws that will keep the wealth generated by the green energy economy in our local communities. I am proud to be leading the way to make Minnesota a leader in green chemistry to take plants and turn them into useful, non-toxic products. And I will make sure we invest in programs that identify and train the next generation of farmers.
Farmers also know better than anyone that we need to treat the land and other natural resources with respect. We need to support that work, providing incentives for conservation and tough, but fair, enforcement when pollution laws are violated. I will also work with farmers and others to develop a culture and infrastructure of local consumption and promotion of Minnesota grown products.
Finally, rising health care costs threaten many farm families. Farmers should not have to choose between expanding their farms and health coverage for their families. My leadership in the State House of Representatives on health care issues demonstrates the role I will take as governor to significantly improve farmers’ ability to protect their families’ health.
The Right to Choose
The Vision:
The United States Constitution guarantees a woman’s right to choose. Paul Thissen supports each woman’s right to make personal medical decisions with her physician.
The Details:
In 1973 the U.S. Supreme Court held in that the United States Constitution guarantees a right to privacy and protects a woman’s right to choose. I support that right and oppose all restrictions that unreasonably interfere with a decision that rightfully lies between a woman and her doctor.
The Right to Choose Regardless of Socioeconomic Status: The right for a woman to choose should not depend on a woman’s socioeconomic status or the source of her health coverage. Pure and simple, economic conditions should not limit a woman’s constitutional rights.
Education First: Comprehensive sex education prevents unwanted pregnancies and limits sexually-transmitted infections. Providing pre-natal care and education to women helps make sure all children are born into a healthy environment.
Support for Mothers and Children After Birth: Our goal must be that every child born in Minnesota has the basic opportunity and support necessary for a fair chance at success: strong early childhood education and comprehensive health care in a family free from crippling economic insecurity.
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