Chamber’s 2021 legislative priorities

focus on Minnesota’s economic recovery

Chambers represent economic vitality in their communities. The MN Chamber Federation unites and amplifies the voice of local chambers by advocating for policies to advance business across the state.

Federation partners represent more than 21,000 businesses in working to promote pro-growth policies to the Legislature, helping ensure lawmakers understand the needs and interests of MN’s diverse business community.

Here are the current legislative priorities supported by the Chamber:

Support employers/employ-

ees through pandemic. COVID-19’s impact on the economy and many sectors of business will have lasting impact. The legislature must pass measures that spur recovery and growth. Businesses cannot sustain tax/fee increases, mandates, regulatory burdens and other measures that impede recovery. We support tax reforms and grants to provide hard-hit industries with immediate cash flow, enacting COVID-19 lawsuit liability protections for businesses, maintaining/enhancing connectivity (broadband), reorienting workforce development programs based on immediate needs, maximizing ability of schools to bring students safely back for in-person full-time instruction, providing one-time targeted childcare funding to meet needs of low-income and essential workers and providers.

Maintain benefit flexibility.

We are committed to providing the best workplaces for employees. We support employer flexibility in determining workplace wage, benefit, scheduling and staffing decisions. Employer protections must be recognized, addressed and implemented if Minnesota legalizes use of recreational marijuana.

Ensure high-quality, afford-

able health care. Health insurance is an important benefit allowing employers to attract and retain talent and ensure employees stay healthy and productive. We oppose additional mandates and taxes that drive up costs and instead urge legislature to improve coverage options. We oppose a government-sponsored public option which would lead to significant financial impacts on providers and hospitals, especially in rural areas, and increase costs for those with private coverage because providers will be forced to shift more costs to Minnesotans.

Transportation investment.

Current estimates indicate the state’s transportation revenues will decline by roughly $400 million in the current biennium due to reduction in travel and economic activity associated with the pandemic. We recognize that finding solutions to the near-term revenue shortfall will be difficult, however we must maintain, and if possible, increase general fund revenues dedicated to transportation.

Energy and environment.

Environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness, if done right, are not mutually exclusive. We support achieving MN businesses’ sustainability goals while keeping energy rates competitive. We must continue progress on permitting efficiencies and streamlining.

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