JoAnne Benson Response
2
Question 2: Overall, Minnesota's economy is the
strongest it has been in years. On the agenda are issues such as
living wages, labor shortages,
welfare-to-work, and the changing economy in Greater
Minnesota. What do you feel the most pressing challenges will be?
How will you address them?
All over the state, business and labor leaders grab me by the lapels
and say, "Joanne we need workers."
Economic success begins with a commitment to lifelong learning. We
need to sustain an educated and motivated citizenry that surpasses
previous standards for education and job skills. Together, technology
and academic standards will propel students to the next level of
achievement by opening more opportunities to teach and challenge
students. The Benson administration will prepare students and
unemployed citizens for their place in society by connecting them to
work through the K-12 and higher education systems.
Moreover, the largest generation of this century is about to go gray.
When this happens, Minnesota's population will consist of fewer
workers to meet the demands of more people. Planning for an
infrastructure and citizenry that can support these future economic
demands is imperative.
Since we have limited economic development dollars, we must invest our
money strategically. The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership and the
Pathways Program (welfare-to-work) are catalysts for job growth. These
programs concentrate on training people for jobs that already exist.
With annual exports of nearly $9 billion, Minnesota truly has a global
economy. Our electronic, agriculture, medical and environmental
products are in high demand throughout the world. Minnesota's export
capacity can be expanded through offerings of technical expertise,
training programs and financing assistance to businesses of all sizes.
I have been and will continue to be an ambassador for Minnesota to
create the climate for increased trade.
One of the best ways to enhance take-home pay and preserve communities
is to limit taxes and regulations. I want Minnesota to lose its
reputation as one of the most highly taxed states in the nation, and I
will work to make government responsive to us as citizens, helpful and
easily understood.
