| Broad range of input will help grow jobs |
By: DAVID BLY, Guest Columnist
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Posted: Friday, October 30, 2009 10:47 pm
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Growing jobs, especially in Greater Minnesota, must be the top priority for our state in the coming months. But setting a legislative priority will not in itself deliver results for families and businesses that have been hurt by this recession. That is why in the months leading up to the 2010 legislative session it is more important than ever to gather input from the broad range of organizations and individuals who together can help grow jobs and get Minnesota working again.
One way we have been seeking input is the bipartisan House Jobs Task Force. The goal of the task force is to gather testimony from economic experts and job creators throughout the state to help the Legislature put together an effective plan to foster short- and long-term job growth in our state.
As a member of the task force, I attended the most recent hearing in Milaca where a “Main Street” panel of small business owners from Greater Minnesota discussed how the recession has affected them. Echoing many of the concerns I have heard from small businesses in our area, they shared a similar resolve to get through these tough times. We also heard from manufacturers, regional agencies and workforce development centers, all who have a niche and perspective that can be part of our effort to grow new jobs.
The Legislature is seeking input more broadly from small business — a major driver of jobs in our communities. The House of Representatives has created a small businesses caucus comprised of legislators from both sides of the aisle in order to focus on ways the Legislature can work with small businesses effectively. As part of the effort, we are encouraging small business owners to participate in a statewide survey to share ideas about how the Legislature can be a partner to improve our business climate and grow new jobs. If you are a small business owner, you can take the survey online at www.house.mn.
Each community faces a unique set of challenges. I have met recently with business owners to discuss commercial property tax issues for historic buildings in downtown Northfield. I’m hopeful we can reach a solution during the 2010 session.
This recession has been different than many in the past because it has affected nearly all of us in some way. Workers who are employed by a small and large businesses, non-profit agencies and state or local government alike are all feeling the crunch. There are a quarter of million Minnesotans still out of work and just about every sector of the economy and every kind of field of work has felt the pain.
In the months before the legislative session begins, I will continue to draw upon the unique experiences and ideas that all of you have to offer toward our shared goal of an economic recovery that gets Minnesotans back to work.
As always, you can contact me by phone at 651-296-7065, by e-mail at rep.david.bly@house.mn and by mail at 557 State Office Building, St. Paul, MN 55155.
— David Bly is the Representative for Minnesota House District 25B. |
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Talk about paying lip service to make it look like the DFL are doing something to grow jobs.
Funny that the task force Bly mentions is made up of politicians with little or no experience in starting or running a business and they are tasked with finding ways to create jobs and spur economic development. I am sure we will hear more of the same ..... more bonding, more tax increases so politicians not markets and private capital decide on job creation.
And a Small Business Caucus? More lip service?
The DFL in the House with Bly's support continue to offer up more job killing tax proposals but they are pretending they are concerned? Minnesota is already ranked 3rd highest in corporate taxes. Bly and company want to raise taxes on the rich but remember this category includes small business owners because many file on personal income in Minnesota.
Then we hear about Bly meeting with business owners in Northfield. Sure sounds good but if he only carves out a new exception in the tax code to satisfy a few then the burden just gets shifted to their neighbors.
Tell us Mr. Bly what tax cuts or business friendly initiatives have you introduced or supported since taking office? Which tax cuts for small businesses have you supported? Which tax and fee increases have you opposed?
Dapa2 - At least State Representative Bly is working on this issue. Where's our Governor??? How business friendly are the "fees" that the Governor put in place??? How business friendly was dumping 30,000 plus people off of MN Care insurance???
Why don't you call Rep. Bly and ask how you can help with the situation since it seems you know so much on this topic. That would be more useful than your whining.