Dayton to start new office to focus on economic disparities

Gov. Dayton says he's setting up the Office of Career and Business Opportunity following a recent Census Bureau report that found a 13 percent drop in median household income for African Americans. That same report also found a five percent increase in the poverty rate for blacks.

"This is a first and important step in addressing the troubling economic disparities facing people of color in Minnesota. We cannot afford to admire or ignore these problems any longer. It is time now to take action to improve the lives and economic futures of all Minnesotans," Dayton said.

Dayton said a senior staffer in the Department of Employment and Economic Development will lead the office.

The governor says among other things, the new office will help workers access the training and resources they need to find good jobs. It's also tasked with helping women- and minority-owned businesses start and expand.