Rep. Ellison Talks Jobs To Minnesotans
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- On Labor Day, it's only fitting that creating jobs is top of mind for so many Americans.
Rep. Keith Ellison invited both union and non-union people to Minnehaha Park Monday to celebrate labor. Most took the opportunity to speak with the congressman about jobs.
'"That is the consistent message that I heard out here. People want work. They want to get back to work. They want to pay taxes, so that they can help reduce our deficit," said Ellison.
Many just want to know how the government plans to create jobs.
"I'm looking for work and that puts me around and everybody says, 'no, not right now,'" said Farhio Khalif of Minneapolis, who was forced to close her business.
Now, looking for a job has become a priority Khalif.
"It's about hope and change, so change is needed now," Khalif said.
Ellison believes the President Barack Obama's speech to the country Thursday will spark hope and patience.
For many, however, patience is wearing thin.
"I have a little kid running around today ... after we leave here, I got to figure out how to put the gas in the car," Khalif said.
Ellison said he has a bill called, "Putting America To Work," which calls for direct government hiring of workers to fix trails, public buildings and to be Head Start teachers.
You can watch Obama's speech at 6 p.m. Thursday on WCCO-TV.
