Senator Eric Pratt [R-Prior Lake] has been re-elected Assistant Majority Leader of the Minnesota State Senate and named Chairman of the Senate Committee on Jobs and Economic Growth Finance and Policy. The committee oversees all policy and funding matters regarding jobs and industry in Minnesota, including the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Department of Labor and Industry.

“It is an honor to serve as Chairman of the Senate Jobs Committee,” said Senator Pratt. “Our economic policies of the last legislative biennium have led to record low unemployment in our state and a strong economy. However, our employers are facing an increasing “skills gap” in the workforce, especially in Greater Minnesota. I look forward to building off our successes and continuing to find innovative solutions that expand opportunities for employees and employers alike.”

In addition to serving as an Assistant Majority Leader during the last legislative biennium, Senator Pratt served as Chairman of the Senate Committee on E-12 Education Policy. While chair of the E-12 Policy Committee, Senator Pratt chief-authored legislation that reformed Minnesota’s teacher licensure system to expand opportunities for qualified professionals to lead classrooms, especially experienced teachers who move to Minnesota from other states.