John Marty 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?
The Minnesota economy is strong but many people have been left behind,
and there are growing problems that deserve attention now.
On the day the governor proclaimed the state of the state to be
"excellent," a Senate committee heard testimony about a mother who
spent a night wandering the streets of St. Paul with her children
because there was no room in the shelters. Half the people turned
away from homeless shelters are children. Without a change, these
children will not succeed.
Many working people cannot afford childcare or healthcare. Many
seniors cannot afford their prescription drugs.
Our greatest challenge is to build a strong economy for the future
that does not leave people behind.
The Marty Agenda:
To build this future, shift government priorities towards smart
investments. Stop pork-barrel spending and corporate welfare, by veto
if necessary - not just public subsidies for professional sports, but
also subsidies through tax increment financing.
Instead, push for investments in education, job training, and
micro-loans to small businesses; investments that provide a real
payback to taxpayers.
Welfare reform can address labor shortages if we help new workers help
themselves. Pass my welfare-to-work legislation with affordable
childcare, housing, and healthcare. Adopt living wage legislation to
ensure working people earn enough to support themselves.
Building a strong economy cannot be accomplished by government alone.
Promote responsibility in government, in business and in families:
Work with responsible companies to make sure they are not undercut by
those who duck responsibility. Demand corporate responsibility to
employees-with job security, closing the wage gap, and safe
workplaces. Also, corporate responsibility towards consumers, the
community, and the environment.
Promote responsibility in families-help those without a work history
develop a work ethic and pride in their jobs. Encourage volunteer
work, mentoring and civic involvement to strengthen communities.
Senator John Marty
