"Minnesotans take pride in working, supporting their families and contributing to their communities," the federation said. "Sadly, after seven years of failed economic policies at the state and national level, as a shrinking number of Minnesotans are able to find permanent family supporting jobs."

Here are the 2009 goals:

Invest in Minnesota’s Economy by Keeping and Creating Good Jobs

• Prepare the state for a smooth flow of federal economic recovery dollars

• Pass a bonding bill

• Pass legislation to advance jobs in a growing “green” economy

• Pass legislation to advance the state’s transit systems

• Retrofit public buildings to meet “green” standards

• Use mechanisms to leverage private investment funds – angel investment tax credits and industrial revenue bonds


Invest in Minnesotans


• Avoid cutting or privatizing the public services Minnesotans rely on

• Expand eligibility and ensure extensions for unemployment benefits

• Ensure services for dislocated workers by protecting current funding

• Maintain the services that local governments provide to their residents


Revenue – Another Investment in Minnesota’s Economy


• Roll back tax cuts for the wealthiest

• Close any remaining corporate tax loopholes

• Pass a revenue-raising tax package that is fair and progressive and based on the ability to

pay


Invest in the State’s Public Educational System – Our Future


• At a minimum provide an inflationary increase in the K-12 per-pupil funding formula, as well as an inflationary increase in higher education

• Permanently reform K-12 funding to ensure sustainable, equitable, predictable and sufficient funding levels


Invest in Quality, Affordable Health Care

• Quality Health Care for All is our goal – start by passing the Minnesota Health Security Act

For more information
Visit the Minnesota AFL-CIO website, www.mnaflcio.org