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Klobuchar Focuses on Economic Recovery with Main Street Jobs Tour

Klobuchar to Push for Economic Recovery Plan with Middle-Class Relief, Infrastructure Projects and Renewable Energy Opportunities

December 5, 2008

Minneapolis, M.N. – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar spent much of the first week of December on a statewide Main Street Jobs Tour focusing on both short-term and long-term job creation opportunities with infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
 
Klobuchar traveled to communities in 17 counties, meeting with business leaders as well as area economic development agencies, elected officials and others to discuss how to move the economy forward and create jobs in Minnesota.
 
“Our nation urgently needs a strong economic recovery plan,” said Klobuchar.  “I want to see a plan that delivers immediate middle-class relief, provides fast-track support for long-needed infrastructure projects and invests in homegrown renewable energy to reduce our dependence of foreign oil.”
 
Klobuchar added:  “This Jobs Tour was a great opportunity for me to get input from Minnesotans across the state.  I’ll return to Washington armed with Minnesota ideas and Minnesota stories so I can advocate for an economic recovery plan that best meets the needs of people and businesses in  our state.”
 
Klobuchar said she heard from many local officials and businesses about the need for greater funding for infrastructure, including highways, roads and bridges as well as renewable energy and rural broadband communications.
 
“Infrastructure projects are a tried-and-true strategy for creating jobs in difficult economic times while also literally building the foundation for future economic growth,” said Klobuchar. 
 
She noted that the U.S. Department of Transportation estimates every $1 billion of highway spending creates 47,500 new jobs and generates more than $2 billion in economic activity.
 
Klobuchar kicked off her Main Street Jobs Tour on Sunday at the Golden Valley headquarters of M.A. Mortenson Company, the largest construction company in Minnesota.  Mortenson’s Energy Group is the leading builder of wind power facilities in North America, with 78 wind energy projects across the U.S. and Canada.  The company’s Biofuels Group is a leader in the construction of biofuel plants.
 
In addition to the Twin Cities, Klobuchar visited Rochester, Duluth and Moorhead – as well as Blue Earth, Fairmont, Madelia, New Ulm, Le Center, Detroit Lakes, Park Rapids, Pine River, Sebeka, Long Prairie, Baxter, Little Falls and Sauk Rapids.
 
The Main Street Jobs Tour will continue later with additional visits to St. Cloud, the Iron Range and southwestern Minnesota.