DFL-endorsed Kelliher Comments on June Job Numbers
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released new jobs numbers today. The unemployment rate dipped to 6.8 percent in June. But much of that drop was due to 14,000 unemployed Minnesotans giving up the job search.
Employers cut 3,700 jobs last month – which were mostly short-term census jobs that came to an end. The construction trades lost 900 jobs, as did the manufacturing industry. Average number of hours work also declined in June.
DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor Margaret Anderson Kelliher had the following to say about today’s jobs report, and why she is fighting to get Minnesota back to work. Kelliher’s No Stone Unturned jobs blueprint can be found on her website at: www.margaretforgovernor.com/node/293. Kelliher encourages Minnesotans to submit their job creation ideas at: www.margaretforgovernor.com/ideas.
“204,000 Minnesotans are out of work. 14,000 more gave up looking for work last month. Thousands more are working harder and earning less. Minnesota must and can do better.
“That’s why I have been traveling the state sharing my plan with Minnesotans about what we can do to get our state back to work. As Governor I won’t quit until 204,000 Minnesotans are back on the job, earning a good wage to support their families.
“According to State Economist Tom Stinson, the state’s number one budget challenge is deep and continuing wage losses. Minnesotans are working fewer hours and earning less. As Governor I will leave no stone unturned to create good jobs and provide living wages for hard-working Minnesota families.
“That’s just one of the major differences between my opponent Tom Emmer and me. If elected Governor, Tom Emmer would neglect the need for investments in education, infrastructure, and strategic economic development. He has even proposed deep cuts to wages for hard-working Minnesotans.
“The fight for a stronger economy requires bold, honest leadership. Minnesotans need a Governor who is on their side – someone who will fight for them. I will be that Governor.
Margaret Anderson Kelliher
DFL-endorsed candidate for Governor