PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release Thursday July 16, 2007

Contact: Noel LaBine 763-477-3086

Legislative Update held at Montrose Community Center.

     

   

  The Wright County Economic Development Partnership held a Legislative Update at the Montrose Community Center on July 12th . Presenters included State Senator Amy Koch, who delivered a power point presentation about the 2007 State Legislative Session and issues that effect businesses. S tate Senator Steve Dille also gave a brief presentation as did State Representative Bruce Anderson. Reports about the Federal agenda were given by Carl Kuhl from Senator Norm Coleman's Office , and Sean Nienow from Congresswoman Michele Bachmann office.

  Senator Amy Koch is on the Economic Development Budget Committee and she explained how there wasn't much contention about the amounts of dollars available for different economic development initiatives. Senator Koch also explained progress that had been made in other categories such as education, and the environment.

  Senator Steve Dille spoke briefly about several issues, but he was particularly vocal about the amount of student debt that post secondary students have to incur to get educated. He was supportive of one initiative to include a personal financial management class in the college curriculums that would help student borrowers better manage their resources. Also, Senator Dille explained his support for transportation funding, which he claims is an important part of economic development.

  Representative Bruce Anderson explained that he was particularly disturbed about the amount of the various efforts to increase taxes to business and industry.

  Sean Nienow presented on behalf of Representative Michelle Bachman, who represents District # 6. Nienow pointed out that the National budget deficit has been trending lower and is half of what the budget deficit was a year ago. This is due in part to the strong economy of recent months. Also, there is an effort to raise taxes and allowing the last tax cut to end would in effect raise taxes. Nienow shared some positive statistics about the economy. There were another 123,000 jobs created in the U.S. in June. This is the 46 th month in a row that the economy has created more jobs. At this time unemployment is 4.5% and wage growth is outpacing inflation. Real household income (on the average) has increased by 10% since 2001.

  Carl Juhl presented on behalf of Senator Norm Coleman. Juhl explained that there are three areas that are most important to Senator Coleman. These are: 1. Healthcare. The problems of rising costs and rural access are of particular concern. What is needed is an overall reform in delivery of care. 2. Energy. We need more energy independence. The expansion of renewal energy such as ethanol and wind is important. However, the answer is in a multi-disciplined approach. The use of more increases in energy conservation and efficiencies as well as new nuclear plants, and new refineries and coal plant gasification are some other approaches that will help us become more independent. 3. Economic Development and job creation. Small Business is the engine that drives our economy. We need to be more supportive of small businesses.

  Carl Juhl ended with a mention of the reintegration of the troops returning from Iraq . He said Senator Coleman is coordinating efforts with Senator Amy Klobuchar for programs that will support returning troops.

  Finally, there was a question and answer session at the end of the program. Questions about the lack of adequate funding for transportation funding, road improvements, and other details were discussed. One member of the audience implored the legislatures to collaborate on a package that could be supported with a two-thirds majority veto override, if the governor were to veto another transportation bond.

The Wright County Partners hip's Development series luncheons are a great place to network with community leaders from Wright County and get first-hand info rmation about various development activities. The discussions held at these events have been very valuable to developers, city representatives, and others.

The Partnership exists to enhance the business climate of Wright County and to help create more jobs in Wright County . The strategies the Partnership uses to achieve its mission include being an information resource and finding technical assistance; aiding business development through Business Retention & Expansion visits, providing financing resources, and providing business information and training through seminars and workshops. Also, the Partnership markets Wright County to business site locators, and maintains an excellent website, which includes a listing of commercial and industrial property available in Wright County (see www.wrightpartnership.org ). The Partnership also assists with Workforce Development and has gathered economic statistical information, which is available on its website.