Duluth, Minn. --- Senator Al Franken says promoting job growth is his top goal in Northern Minnesota.
Last week, Franken toured Iron Range mining facilities and spoke with Duluth Mayor Don Ness about the city's long term employment goals.
"We need more long-term, viable jobs throughout northern and northeastern Minnesota," Franken said.
Franken's agenda included promoting his solution to the current labor crisis: the S.E.E.D. Act, a federal wage subsidy program he calls "Cash For Jobs."
Under Franken's plan 5 billion dollars in stimulus funds would be used to match the starting hourly wages for new employees for six months from the date of hire, up to $12 dollars per hour.
In continuation of those talks, representatives from Franken's regional office met personally met with Duluth-area business leaders today.
Staffers essentially asked what local business leaders thought of Franken's plan.
The round-table discussion took place at Duluth's Federal building and included representatives from the Duluth City Council, several leading businesses including Northstar Aerospace, several building and trade unions, and the local Iron Workers guild.
Though detractors and supporters took sides on the issue, the overwhelming consensus was crystallized by City Councilor Sharla Gardner who said just about any legislation would help.
"Most of the people that work in Duluth work at jobs between 9 dollars and 12 dollars an hour and they can't make ends meet on those jobs, so they're working two jobs," Gardner said.
The councilor then added "These are the folks who don't have time to come to afternoon meetings and talk about job growth because they're working all the time."
"Would this help them? Absolutely," Gardner noted.
Written for the web by Matt Standal
mstandal@northlandsnewscenter.com
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