WALZ SUMMIT ADDRESSES MAJOR ECONOMIC ISSUES FACING MINNESOTANS
"U.S. HOUSE"06/03/2008
Citizens and experts join Walz in day-long discussion about building a more prosperous future for southern Minnesota
(Mankato, Minn.) – Joined by a wide array of citizens and experts from across southern Minnesota, Rep. Tim Walz held an Economic Summit today to address the major issues facing hard-working families and business owners on main street in southern Minnesota and to continue working towards building a more prosperous region in the future.
“Across southern Minnesota, families are feeling squeezed by rising costs of basic necessities such as health care, gas, food and housing,” said Rep. Walz. “Despite these serious problems, we remain optimistic about our future. Today we brought together people from different perspectives to discuss common-sense solutions that build upon our strengths and take advantage of our region’s innovative can-do spirit.”
The economic summit culminated a series of public forums the Congressman has held this year across the First District, soliciting ideas from ordinary people from Winona to Blue Earth.
“Today’s summit isn’t just about how we come from behind during a rough economy – it’s also about how we get ahead and stay ahead creating a future in southern Minnesota that gives every family and every small business on main street an opportunity to thrive,” continued Walz.
In an effort to help jump start this sluggish economy, Congressman Walz supported the recent bi-partisan economic stimulus package that passed Congress and is providing 2.1 million Minnesota families with an average rebate of more than $950.
“To reform health care and end our reliance on foreign oil we must change the way Washington works,” said Walz. “We need the voices of ordinary American people to drown out the influence of special interest lobbyists.”
“A regional economy is like a puzzle – health care and early education needs have to be met for a strong workforce to develop, workforce training opportunities have to fit with emerging and established industries like bio science and renewable energy.”
Walz’s 2nd Annual Economic Summit included five major panels, addresses from Minnesota’s State Demographer and State Economist and a keynote address by Congressman Tim Walz. A complete list of panelists, moderators and panel topics is attached.