Energy costs, a lack of commercial air service and a shortage of qualified workers are hampering job growth in Central Minnesota, local business executives told Gov. Mark Dayton this morning.
The comments came at a regional economic development summit Dayton held at St. Cloud Technical & Community College. The summit, one of a series Dayton has held at points across the state this month, is aimed at gathering ideas on job creation from Minnesotans, according to a release from Dayton’s office.
After the summit, Dayton said he heard several concerns he hopes to incorporate into his legislative agenda for 2012. They includes the need to better align job training programs with areas where jobs are available, and to expand access to capital for businesses.
Dayton also fielded questions on the possibility of a partially-taxpayer-funded Vikings stadium. That issue heated up Monday after the governor set a Nov. 23 deadline for a possible special session to pass a stadium bill.
That deadline comes days before the state’s November budget forecast is set to be released. Some predict the forecast will show more budget woes ahead for the state, after a $5 billion two-year budget deficit spurred a government shutdown this summer.
Dayton said the timing of the stadium deadline isn’t related to the revenue forecast. Rather, he said it’s about addressing the stadium issue before the holidays and before the Vikings’ Metrodome lease expires.
Dayton also said he’s open to an expansion of gaming, as well as many other options, to finance a stadium.
“We should take a look at everything,” Dayton said.
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