ST. PAUL, MN – Reaffirming their ongoing commitment to building an economy that works everyone, Governor Mark Dayton and Lt. Governor Tina Smith today attended the People of Color Career Fair in Minneapolis. Governor Dayton and Lt. Governor Smith also attended the inaugural People of Color Career Fair in October 2016.

 

“The State of Minnesota is very proud to be a co-sponsor of the People of Color Career Fair,” said Governor Dayton. “I attended the first Fair and was tremendously impressed. I'm looking forward to attending this one, as well.”

 

Minnesota is expected to face a workforce shortage of more than 100,000 workers by 2020. To ensure continued economic growth and shared prosperity, it is critical that the state’s entire workforce have access to and be prepared for the jobs being created by Minnesota businesses. Currently, Minnesotans of color face rates of unemployment that are more than double those experienced by white Minnesotans.

 

“Minnesota’s unemployment rate remains among the lowest in the country, with more than 255,000 new jobs created since the end of the recession,” said Lt. Governor Smith. “Despite this progress, too many Minnesotans, especially people of color, are not sharing in this prosperity. I urge the Legislature to make investments this session that grow jobs and opportunity for people in every corner of our state.”

 

In March 2016, the Dayton-Smith Administration proposed a $100 million investment to reduce disparities in housing, education, and employment. The final budget bill signed by the Governor included $35 million to improve opportunities for Minnesotans of color and ensure our economy works for everyone, everywhere in Minnesota.

 

Under Governor Dayton’s leadership, Minnesota is doing much better than before – with 260,000 new jobs and a $1.65 billion budget surplus. However, too many Minnesotans are still being left behind, especially in communities of color that face health disparities, experience opportunity gaps in education, and have less access to jobs with family-sustaining wages. Read about all of the investments included in the Opportunity Agenda designed to expand opportunity for all, by clicking here.