Clark and Tomassoni respond to recession news

Assistant Majority Leader Tarry Clark and the Chair of the Senate’s Economic Development Budget Division, David Tomasson, called on Governor Pawlenty to work with legislative leaders to pass an economic stimulus package during the 2008 session.

On the heels of a report detailing that Minnesota lost 2,300 jobs in December and more than 23,000 over the past 6 months which led to the state economist declaring that Minnesota was "in a recession", Congresswoman Bachmann, no longer able to embarrass just her constituents in Senate District 56, stated yesterday from her marble palace in Washington DC:

I am so proud to be from the state of Minnesota. We’re the workingest state in
the country, and the reason why we are, we have more people that are working
longer hours, we have people that are working two jobs.

Tomassoni and Clark pointed out that Minnesota ranks 36th in job growth in the United States since 2001, fitting nicely between Mississippi and Missouri. Senator Tomassoni added;

"Today’s news is disturbing and highlights the need for a renewed focus on building good-paying jobs in our state. It is time for the state to make strategic investments in sustainable job growth, before more Minnesotans find themselves in the unemployment line. It is past time for the Governor to get back to work for the people of Minnesota instead of working for John McCain."

Senator Clark said that the recession would significantly impact working families across the state. On Tuesday, Electrolux announced it is temporarily laying off 190 of its 1,400 employees at its St. Cloud freezer plant. Sen. Clark noted that the Electrolux announcement comes on the heels of several other layoff notices from central Minnesota employers, including Stearns Inc. and Macy’s Inc.

I'm anxiously awaiting Congresswoman Bachmann to recant her statement from yesterday and call those who are working 2 jobs in Minnesota "greedy".