At the Capitol
Governor Dayton Shows Leadership in Continuing Minnesota’s Economic Recovery
Following Governor Mark Dayton’s State of the State Address, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“Tonight, Governor Dayton offered a bold vision that will build on Minnesota’s economic recovery and lay a foundation for future success.
“Minnesota is already recovering faster than other states; we have an opportunity to complete that recovery by putting thousands more Minnesotans back to work in family-sustaining jobs by improving and expanding critical infrastructure.
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Anti-Middle Class “Right to Work” Amendment Bad for Working Minnesotans, Bad for Business
In a seemingly unending stream of constitutional amendments, State Senator Dave Thompson & Representative Steve Drazkowski held a press conference to publicize an anti-middle class amendment that would force union workers to pay for their non-union co-workers’ representation. read more »
Stop Voter Suppression!
Over the past year we’ve seen unprecedented attacks on voting rights across the country. Unfortunately, the same type of irresponsible legislating that is happening all over our country is on the move right here in Minnesota. Instead of focusing on creating jobs and improving our economy, our legislature is attempting to pass a bill that will create barriers to voting for all Minnesotans. read more »
Corporate Special Interests Fuel Anti-Middle Class “Right to Work” Push in Minnesota
Today, a think tank backed by corporate special interests released a study promoting anti-middle class legislation in Minnesota. The right-wing Center of the American Experiment’s report urges lawmakers to make Minnesota a low-wage, anti-middle class “Right to Work” state. read more »
Pass Jobs & Infrastructure Bill Now
In response to Governor Dayton’s proposal for a job-creating infrastructure bill, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“Governor Dayton continues to offer proven plans to create the jobs that thousands of Minnesotans desperately need.
“The Governor’s jobs and infrastructure bill will put 21,700 Minnesotans back to work in family-sustaining private sector jobs. read more »
Jobs Plan Sets the Right Tone for 2012 Session
Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson praised the job creation proposal Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton and legislative Democrats offered today. read more »
Unemployment Rate Down, Help for Job-Seekers Going Away
Despite Minnesota’s employers cutting nearly 14,000 jobs in November, the state’s unemployment rate still fell to 5.9%. Unfortunately, that number means thousands of jobless Minnesotans will become ineligible for long-term federal unemployment benefits that end when a state’s three-month unemployment rate falls below 6.5%. Additionally, if Congress fails to act on extending long-term federal benefits an estimated 28,000 Minnesotans will lose a critical lifeline. read more »
It’s Still a Deficit for Middle Class Families
Responding to Minnesota’s November Budget Forecast, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“While Republican legislators pop champagne bottles over a balance sheet that shows the state budget in the black, they should remember how they insisted on begging, borrowing, and stealing that money from school children, middle class families, vulnerable Minnesotans, and seniors; all to protect millionaires. read more »
Block E Casino is a Job-Creating Way to Pay for Stadium
Amongst the ongoing debate over funding options for a new Minnesota Vikings stadium, the Minnesota AFL-CIO today reaffirmed its support in favor of a casino in Minneapolis’ Block E Entertainment complex.
“We need to do everything we can to get more Minnesotans back to work and our economy moving again,” said Shar Knutson, President of the Minnesota AFL-CIO. “The renovation and operation of a casino at Block E will create a significant number of family-sustaining jobs many Minnesotans so desperately need.” read more »
Simply Cutting Taxes Won’t Create Jobs
Responding to Senate Republican Caucus’ press conference, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson issued the following statement:
“While we welcome the Senate GOP’s willingness to finally talk about putting Minnesotans back to work, their vague ideas were unfortunately more of the same.
Slashing regulations and cutting taxes won’t make a dime’s worth of difference if we continue to ignore critical investments in education and infrastructure.
We already know from experience that tax giveaways like JOBZ won’t create new jobs. read more »
