Almanac: At the Capitol

It's true, former political foes Moe and Pawlenty unite, here's the release:

MOE NAMED TO MINNESOTA JOB SKILLS PARTNERSHIP BOARD

~Appointment Signals Return to Program He Helped Found~

St. Paul - Former Minnesota State Senator and Erskine resident Roger Moe has been appointed to the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced.

Moe's appointment by the Minnesota Senate began October 29. He will serve a four-year term.

The longest serving Senate Majority Leader in Minnesota state history, Moe was elected to the Legislature in 1970 and represented Northwestern Minnesota's 2nd Senate District. Under his guidance, the Senate developed the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program in 1983.

"As a founder of the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board, we welcome his unique historical perspective. As a former math teacher, Roger realizes the necessity of focusing on science, technology, engineering and math in our schools," said DEED Commissioner Dan McElroy. "His knowledge of workforce development and higher education in Minnesota will serve our business and education partners and the board immeasurably."

Moe serves on the board of directors of the Norwegian American Foundation; Debate Minnesota; Policy Consensus Initiative; Minnesota Twins Community Fund; Nobel Peace Prize Forum; and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Foundation.

Moe replaces outgoing MJSP board member David Johnson of Best & Flanagan LLP. Johnson was also a State Senator from 1997 to 2002.

The MJSP offers technical, financial and job training assistance to businesses, communities, educational institutions and workers. Each year, the board awards 60 to 70 grants to educational institutions to design and deliver customized training to businesses with specific training needs. Businesses and the partnering educational institutions are required to contribute matching funds.

For more information about the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership, see: www.positivelyminnesota.com/mjsp/