Downsizing, outsourcing and plant closings continue to displace significant numbers of Minnesota workers from their jobs, even while the economy thrives. There is still a serious need for dedicated financial resources to assist dislocated workers prepare for and find employment that will assure the economic security of their families. Higher education and academic research expand our state's development capacity, enhance students' earning potential and economic security and contribute to local economies. However, increasing expenses discourage many students from pursuing their education past high school. Funding is needed to hold down tuition, retain and attract well-qualified faculty and staff and improve technology and other facilities.
Public education is the doorway to opportunity and active citizenship for the people of Minnesota.
Our schools need stable, predictable and adequate funding to ensure that all students learn to the best of their abilities. Vocational-technical education equips future and current workers with learning habits and specific skills to master complex and frequently changing technologies. More public resources need to be directed to this kind of education, but the private sector also must expand its worker training efforts. Minnesota's future prosperity requires close collaboration among educational institutions, employers and unions to meet vocational-technical education needs and ensure the availability of job opportunities for trained workers. Legislation sought by corporate interests to exempt employers from liability for giving erroneous, or untruthful job references on employees is unfair and undermines corporate responsibility.