Politics & Government

Paulsen Post: Trade, Ad Regulation and an Outstanding Educator

U.S. Congressman Erik Paulsen represents the Lake Minnetonka area.

As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, and co-chair of the Congressional U.S.-Korea Free Trade Working Group, I've been working to ensure Minnesota businesses grow and stay competitive in the global marketplace.

(Last) week, I took an active role in speaking out for three trade agreements that will result in the largest expansion of U.S. trade in 15 years. Here’s an update on the latest from our nation's Capitol. Let me know whenever I can be of assistance and keep in touch.

Bipartisan Trade Agreements Pass Through Congress 

Find out what's happening in Lake Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This week saw an important step forward for Minnesota job creators. With the passage of three bipartisan trade agreements with Colombia, Panama, and South Korea, we increase our ability to expand market access for U.S. goods and services to the 95 percent of global consumers who live outside our borders. New sales of U.S. products and services to new customers will increase exports and create jobs. Here are some statistics on the impact foreign trade has on our state:

  • Nearly 60,000 Minnesota jobs are directly supported by exports. The passage of the three pending free trade agreements will increase U.S. access to foreign markets, giving local companies the ability to grow and hire. (U.S. Chamber of Commerce)
  • 91 percent of Minnesota’s exports are from the manufacturing industry, supporting 20 percent of Minnesota’s manufacturing jobs. (U.S. Commerce Department)
  • Trade has a direct impact on the growth engine of Minnesota’s economy— small and medium sized businesses. These businesses, with less than 500 employees, accounted for 6,027 of Minnesota’s exporting companies, generating one-fifth of Minnesota’s total merchandise exports in 2008. (U.S. Commerce Department)
  • Trade Agreements help Minnesota jobs. Recently enacted agreements with Chile and Singapore saw Minnesota exports grow 280 percent and 107 percent, respectively. The three pending agreements could have a similar effect for Minnesota firms. (U.S. Commerce Department)

I agree with President Obama that these job-creating trade pacts will help American workers and can grow our economy. 

Find out what's happening in Lake Minnetonkawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

More Ridiculous Government Rules

In April, four Federal agencies (FTC, FDA, USDA, and CDC) released a set of guidelines that would impose nutritional requirements on certain foods marketed to children under the age of 18. These restrictions are so stringent that most foods in the grocery store would not meet the criteria, including 88 of the top 100 foods consumed. And, these rules would negatively affect several Minnesota companies. 

Here are some examples of the impact of the new guidelines:

  • Athletes could not appear on Wheaties boxes
  • No more Gatorade towels at sporting events.
  • At Twins and Vikings games you could advertise for beer, but not Coca-Cola!

Clearly, these are yet another example of unnecessary and irresponsible government regulations on American job creators.

That's why this week, I led an effort with 61 other representatives in the House to protect free speech in advertising by sending a letter to the agencies purposing these onerous regulations. 

You can read the letter HERE

Local Teacher Wins "Oscar of Teaching"

Congratulations to Seth Brown, a math teacher from Wayzata West Middle School, who was honored with a 2011 Milken Educator Award. I joined Seth, Superintendent Chase Anderson, Wayzata West Principal Susan Sommerfeld and all the students and teachers of Wayzata West on Monday, as Seth was honored by the Milken Family Foundation for his efforts to close the achievement gap and use creative technology in the classroom, particularly in using iPods as math aids.

The Milken Family Foundation gives awards each year to honor and reward outstanding K-12 educators for the exemplary work they've done in education.

As the husband of a public school teacher I see the importance of education everyday. I congratulate Seth for his incredible work, and thank all the other teachers in our community for doing all they can to inspire the next generation of American leaders.

WATCH: I took time in Washington this week to recognize Seth's achievement. 

Congressional Website Gets a New Look

An important part of my job is communicating with you. I am always looking for new ways to keep those lines of communication open. Next week I will launch a revamped version of my website. The new site includes a dynamic navigation platform, enhanced ways of keeping in touch with constituents, and information on the work I'm doing in Washington. I look forward to utilizing the platform to better serve you and stay connected! 

In the coming week take a moment to visit the new website at: www.paulsen.house.gov.


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