Roberta Gibbons

What Really Matters

JOBS for Minnesotans. While out speaking with the residents of the district, the main issue on everyone’s mind was “Will I have a job tomorrow?” This is a very valid concern in a state where the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is hovering around the 7% (as of December 2009 according to the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development). We need to encourage the creation of new jobs in Minnesota by making our state’s business climate attractive to new companies that will, in turn, open up new sustainable, living wage job opportunities for our residents. We need to provide incentives to current Minnesota businesses to hire and retain new employees. We need to encourage the development of new manufacturing jobs in the clean energy industry.

EDUCATION for our children. Investment in education is an investment in the future of Minnesota. Education provides opportunity and a return on investment for Minnesota in the form of a highly skilled workforce. We need to ensure that funding for our children’s education – from early education thru 12th grade – is a priority. As a past President and Fundraising Chairman for the Cedar Park Elementary Site Council, I’ve seen how cuts to the district’s budget have affected our schools. Schools should not have to rely on levies/referendums and/or fundraising drives to provide our children with necessities such as library books and computers. Currently, our district is facing budget cuts and increased revenues of $15,600,000 due to Governor Pawlenty’s “budget balancing” measures. This means our district will have to make cuts to their budget leading to higher class sizes and fewer teachers for our children. We also need to ensure that all students have access to an affordable post-secondary education. Double digit tuition increases are not acceptable. No child should have to worry that they won’t be able to attend college because their family can’t afford it.

TRANSPOTATION/TRANSIT/ROADS. As a veteran commuter for the last 30 years, I know first hand how the gridlock on our roads affects our citizens. New road construction is helping to alleviate some of the gridlock, but it can never take the place of an effective transit system. As a member of the Cedar Avenue Bus Rapid Transit Local Advisory Group. I understand the issues surrounding transit and transportation in our area. As your Senator, I will continue to fight for increased funding for transportation and transit projects for our district.

SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY SOURCES. We can reduce Minnesota’s dependence on fossil fuels by bringing new clean energy sources to Minnesota. As your State Senator, I will encourage the development of alternative energy sources such as wind and solar power. I will also work to bring clean energy manufacturing jobs (such as wind turbine construction) to our state.

WHAT REALLY MATTERS IS YOU! Effective representation starts at home and as your State Senator, I intend on making sure that the voices of the people of Senate District 37 are heard up at the Capitol. Your issues will be my issues. Change will not happen without all of us working together. I will work hard for you and your family.