Tom Horner on Jobs in Minnesota

In 2009, both Republicans and Democrats proposed a broad package of economic reforms to create new jobs. The reforms included smart policies to make it possible for small businesses to grow and prosper, that would encourage our Fortune 500 employers to create new jobs in Minnesota and not in other states or countries, and policies that support investments in the start-up companies that are the businesses of the future.

What happened? The substance of the reforms was lost to politics. In spite of broad agreement on the core issues, neither party would let the other score a “win” – even if the biggest winners would have been working men and women in Minnesota. Minnesota has great economic strengths to build on if we have the right leadership.

Look at just one example: No other state has the concentration of brainpower Minnesota has at Mayo Clinic and the University of Minnesota combined with the diverse base of medical companies already here. With good public policy and smart leadership, Minnesota could become the Silicon Valley of biosciences.

Minnesota could have the jobs that are leading the way into the 21st century – not just science and technology jobs, but good-paying jobs in all the businesses that develop and grow in support of a world-class industry. The next four years will bring new challenges to Minnesota’s economy – but unparalleled opportunities if we are prepared to make bold and smart decisions.

Government shouldn’t pick economic winners and losers. But government can and should create an environment for success by giving every Minnesota student the opportunity to succeed in post-high school education, including college and job training; eliminating unnecessary regulations; and creating smart tax and investment policies, assuring that Minnesota continues to attract the entrepreneurs that will build tomorrow’s global companies.