Margaret Anderson Kelliher for Governor

MOORHEAD, MN – DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher started day two of her rural economies tour today at Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MSCTC) in Moorhead. Kelliher toured college classrooms and discussed new training programs with Provost Jerry Migler, state Rep. Paul Marquart, and state Sen. Keith Langseth.

“This institution of higher learning is opening the doors of opportunity for hard working Minnesotans,” said Kelliher. “More than 75 percent of students at MnState are first generation college students. Many of the new students enrolling here are people retraining for the next generation jobs of tomorrow.”

MSCTC offers a two-year associate of science degree in Biofuels Technology.  The two-year degree prepares students to work in the fields of biofuel development and production. Much of the degree is based in the laboratory, which allows students hands-on research experience. 

“In the 1940s, researchers at the University of Minnesota discovered a way to extract iron from taconite – that discovery brought jobs and opportunity to Minnesota,” said Kelliher. “We need to bring that same innovative spirit to developing the next generation of biofuels to fuel our rural economies.”

Kelliher helped deliver $5.4 million to the college in the 2010 bonding bill for the construction of the school’s first library and expanded classroom space. As Governor, Kelliher says she will continue making targeted, strategic investments in Minnesota’s higher education institutions.

“The key to Minnesota’s economic future is a highly skilled workforce – a workforce trained for good jobs in clean energy and manufacturing,” Kelliher said. “It’s what will set our state apart. As Governor I will do everything it takes to keep those jobs here in Minnesota. Because if we don’t fight for those jobs, they will go to other places like China.”

Kelliher is now en route to Staples to continue talking about jobs in rural Minnesota.