BISMARCK -- It's a picture that's been circulating for weeks, and North Dakota state government leaders love passing it along.
The photo shows a billboard for Minnesota Republican governor candidate Tom Emmer that states, "Don't lose another job to North Dakota. Tom Emmer for governor."
Minnesota Republican Party Deputy Chairman Michael Brodkorb said the point is to say Minnesota will "experience a mass exodus" if Mark Dayton is elected governor. People will leave for other states, such as North Dakota, that have a "much more business-friendly tax environment," he said.
Media reports have also shown "Don't lose another job to South Dakota" campaign signs.
Dayton's deputy campaign manager, Katie Tinucci, said businesses locate and grow in Minnesota for many reasons, such as good schools, infrastructure and quality of life.
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"In the past, Minnesota has had a progressive tax rate, and we saw great increases in job growth and businesses locating and expanding here," she said. "Businesses consider many other factors besides the tax rate when choosing where to locate."
Regardless of Minnesota politics, North Dakota will take the attention.
"From my perspective, we're a little flattered that Minnesota has noticed that we have a strong business climate and a strong economy and they want to be more like us," Commerce Commissioner Shane Goettle said.
Legislative week ahead
Two legislative committees are scheduled to meet this week at the state Capitol.
- The Employee Benefits Programs Committee meets at 9 a.m. Tuesday in the Harvest Room. Lawmakers will discuss bills related to the Teachers' Fund for Retirement and the Public Employees Retirement System.
This includes a bill proposing Public Employees Retirement System medical benefits coverage for autism spectrum disorders.
- The Government Services Committee meets at 9 a.m. Wednesday in the Harvest Room.
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Lawmakers will hear the final report of the classified state employee compensation system project and how other states provide for salary increases for elected officials.
They will also listen to a presentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs regarding the accreditation process for county veterans service officers.
Full agendas can be found at www.legis.nd.gov/
council/interim/meetings.
Pride of Dakota Advisory Council
The Pride of Dakota Advisory Council will meet from noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 5 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
Discussion topics include holiday showcases, Dickinson Harvest Showcase, Pride of Dakota Wine Initiative, Pride of Dakota recruitment, the mobile food processing unit, legislative issues and Pride of Dakota School Lunch Day.
For more information, call Sara Kelsch at (701) 328-4766.
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8 over 80 update
Thank you to all who submitted nominations for 8 over 80. We received 114 nominations and will begin the impossible task of narrowing that to eight. Be sure to watch for the series Thanksgiving week.
Finneman is a multimedia reporter for Forum Communications Co., which owns the Herald.
