The Minnesota AFL-CIO issued its legislative priorities this morning, and not surprisingly for a labor federation representing 1,000 local unions, it wants action that will create more jobs.

“We are asking today that the legislature quickly pass a bonding bill that is at least $1 billion, said Shar Knutson, the group's president. "This will put people to work right away. In addition, we are supporting the construction coalition jobs bill that leverages and stimulates private investment in commercial, industrial, energy-efficient retrofit, and residential projects across the state.”

DFL leaders in the Legislature are talking about a $1 billion bonding package, but Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed a much lower amount, about $685 million.

Knutson outlined other AFL-CIO proposals:

A wage subsidy in Minnesota of up to $12 per hour. Wage subsidy programs create jobs by paying a part of the wages of new hires. It addresses short-term job needs but has persistent effects over the next several years, she said.

A tax increase for those in the top income brackets. She said working families are currently taxed at a 12.4 percent rate while those in the top tier brackets pay 9 percent. “We understand that this revenue proposal is only part of the solution. But most agree that the current state tax structure is unfair. This proposal moves the state towards tax fairness.”