Issue Position: Minnesota Job Bill

Issue Position

Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith's Jobs Bill would invest $1.5 billion in community infrastructure projects statewide, creating an estimated 22,950 Minnesota jobs* and supporting local economies across the state. Thanks to Governor Dayton's sound fiscal management over the last six years, the State of Minnesota has a triple-A bond rating and over $3 billion in available bonding capacity for 2017-2018. The Dayton-Smith Administration's 2017 Jobs Bill proposal would remain well within these limits -- protecting the state's financial standing, while making critical investments in our future.

The Dayton-Smith Jobs Bill includes critical infrastructure projects distributed across Minnesota. It balances the needs of the state, with 35 percent of projects in Greater Minnesota, 30 percent in the Twin Cities Area, and 35 percent having impacts statewide. And the Jobs Bill is designed to make state resources go further, by leveraging more than $600 million in private, local, and federal investment in Minnesota's infrastructure.

Supporting Minnesota Farmers

Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith have proposed a $35 million investment in their Jobs Bill to fund the Rural Finance Authority, and ensure Minnesota Ag producers receive the assistance they need. The Governor and Lt. Governor have also proposed a $690,000 investment to help build a developmental kitchen for food entrepreneurs at AURI's facility in Crookston and add new equipment and technology upgrades at AURI's Waseca and Marshall Facilities that will be used to develop new products from otherwise unusable Ag waste.

Water and Natural Resources

Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith's Jobs Bill would invest $167 million to the fund water infrastructure to help communities rehabilitate wastewater and drinking water infrastructure systems, expand capacity, and meet water quality requirements.

Rail and Pipeline Safety

Every day, trains carrying oil and other hazardous materials pass through Minnesota. These trains present real risks to public safety and our natural resources. To improve rail safety, Governor Dayton's Jobs Bill would fund three major grade separations. The proposal also would improve warning systems at highway rail crossings and quiet zones and fund the construction of training centers.

Investments in Minnesota Students

School districts across Minnesota lack the space to house classrooms for preschool and kindergarten students. However, school levies can place a heavy burden on local property tax payers. In response, the Governor and Lt. Governor have proposed a $15 million investment in their Jobs Bill to help schools expand their facilities without burdening local property owners.

Health and Safety

The Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter is facing staffing shortages and increasingly challenging patients. The Governor and Lt. Governor have included a $70.3 million investment in their Jobs Bill to renovate and expand the facility, so that it is better able to serve patients with the most serious conditions

Economic Development

Governor Dayton is proposing funding to support communities statewide investing in projects that will create jobs, attract additional private investment, and support economic development.

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