Posted: 10/20/04
The Senate Jobs, Energy and Community Development Committee completed a successful public hearing in Chisago City last Thursday, with a variety of ideas presented about jobs, wages and economic development in Greater Minnesota.
State Sen. Ellen Anderson (DFL-St. Paul), chair of the committee, expressed pleasure with the attendance and the general outcome of the hearing. ėThe committee heard valuable information about the condition of Minnesotaís economy, and many good ideas were presented about creating an environment where businesses can flourish and create jobs,î said Anderson. ėThese hearings are a great opportunity for legislators from around the state to visit different districts and to hear about the concerns facing people in districts other than their own.î
The hearing was held at Chisago City Hall. Testimony was given by Rosie Mortenson, the Dean of Continuing Education and Customized Training at Anoka Ramsey Community College in Cambridge, a local representative of the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, the head of the Pipefitters Union, the Lakes and Pines Community Action Council and several local citizens, including Jeremy Kalin, a candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives.
ėWe heard about the importance of job training, the need to invest in transportation, and the impact of rising health insurance costs on families and businesses,î Anderson said. ėThe hearing really set the stage for the 2005 legislative session and gave legislators some good ideas for bills to ensure Minnesota has a competitive edge in a global economy.î
Other hearings have been scheduled in Worthington, Park Rapids and Alexandria during the month of October.
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