Invest in Communities for a Resilient Future
Here is a gentle reminder that the stock market is not the economy. In reality, a stable economy is one that experiences stable growth, reliably low unemployment, predictable inflation, rising real wages, and one that has easy access to affordable housing and healthcare. Does that sound like what we are living in? I don't think so.
The economy has been volatile. Gas prices fluxuate. Grocery prices are trending up, especially beef and the other proteins... and housing prices have never been so unaffordable in our region. In all likelihood, we have entered a recession that has been minimized by the AI boom. How long until the bubble bursts? And what will we do when it does?
We need investment in our communities so that we all can have a resilient future. Minnesota is already doing a pretty great job, but I think we can do better -- especially for our rural regions.
Creating Jobs in House District 6: Lasting job creation is essential for economic resilience. I will advocate for funding infrastructure projects, affordable energy production, small business development, and workforce training, each of which is elaborated on below. These initiatives will provide immediate employment and lay the foundation for long-term growth.
Building Infrastructure: Investing in infrastructure projects can rejuvenate communities. Highway improvements, pedestrian-friendly pathways, water treatment upgrades and public spaces are all investments that enhance quality of life while generating jobs and boosting economic potential.
Stabilizing Energy Costs with Supplementary Green Solutions: Energy price volatility impacts everyone, and we need to make efforts to stabilize costs. By supplementing current energy production with renewable sources like solar, wind, bioenergy, or hydropower, we can mitigate price swings while creating reliable, long-term solutions and promote long-term sustainable job development. These measures are not about replacing existing energy sources but complementing them to ensure affordability and consistency.
Supporting Small Businesses: Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy. Relief measures like grants, low-interest loans, and tax incentives can help entrepreneurs thrive. Likewise, subsidized wages for new hires will boost productivity while easing financial strain on small businesses. For instance, these types of programs could be especially useful in the support of existing and the creation of new childcare centers across rural Minnesota.
Adapting Workforce Training to Community Needs: As workforce demands evolve, so must our training programs. I will support grants for individuals to retrain in high-demand fields such as skilled trades, sustainable energy, healthcare, IT, agriculture, and infrastructure. These programs can be tailored to community needs or developed in partnership with educational institutions. For example, in the event of a mass layoff, the impacted individuals should be immediately eligible for re-training grants. That is how we soften the blow of devastation.
Strengthening Safety Nets: Navigating job loss is challenging enough—accessing benefits shouldn’t add to the burden. I will work to expand and streamline unemployment benefits, food assistance programs, healthcare, and affordable housing. These safety nets must be accessible and efficient to truly support those in need.