The recent announcement that Minnesota has lost 38,000 manufacturing jobs since 2000 is disconcerting to say the least.

However, proposed legislation from our local representatives and senator could at least help our area not only reduce the possibility of losing jobs, but maybe even gain some in the process.

The border cities legislation is aimed at assisting towns near neighboring state lines -- like Austin and Albert Lea -- to help bring companies to their regions. This is accomplished by enabling companies to set up their shops and operate with lower tax bases.

Is it unfair to other businesses in these areas who may still have to pay their same tax rates, while new businesses get a break? Sure it's unfair.

But in the last few years, we've seen businesses pass over this area to head to other states because of favorable tax laws. This was most recently evidenced by the Ford Motor Company's decision to locate a new plant in Wisconsin, rather than in Stewartville or Albert Lea. Either of the latter locations would have been advantageous to Austin area residents and well within commuting distance.

In short, we need to figure out solutions.

Our state's economy is still struggling. We need to figure out creative ways to stop losing jobs to other states and countries. At least this proposed legislation could possibly prevent the Ford scenario from repeating itself.