Legislative Review

PASSED AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The bill established a state-wide paid family and medical leave program which allows employees across Minnesota to take up to 20 weeks of paid leave throughout the calendar year, at partial wage reimbursement. Employees are eligible to take leave if they are unable to work due to a family member’s serious health condition, a qualifying exigency, safety leave, bonding leave or the employee’s own pregnancy, pregnancy recovery or serious health condition. The program is funded by an initial $668.3 million in state funds and requires a 0.7% income tax increase. Only businesses that offer a private plan with equal or greater benefits are able to opt out of the program. Benefits start January 1, 2026.

PASSED AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The Omnibus Tax bill included over $2 billion in new taxes throughout the 2024-2025 and 2026-2027 biennia. This increase will be used to pay for the establishment of programs and adjustments to existing programs, such as rebate checks, partial Social Security state income tax elimination, local government and county government aid, etc.

PASSED AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The Capital Investments Bonding Bill included $1.5 Billion in funding for vital infrastructure projects across the state of Minnesota, through General Obligation Bonds.

THE CHAMBER OPPOSED THIS BILL

The Chamber opposed this bill as it creates several challenges for the business community throughout Minnesota by imposing a one-sizefits-all mandate, raising taxes and substantially changing the business climate of the state. Our area businesses know that employees are their greatest asset, and delivering competitive benefits to attract and retain their workforce has and will continue to be a top priority. We believe that the free enterprise system is best suited to respond to these needs without burdensome government mandates.

THE CHAMBER OPPOSED THIS BILL

The Chamber opposed this bill due to the uncompetitive tax provisions, such as the GILTI Tax Conformity and Standard/Itemized Deduction and a number of other provisions that are harmful to the business environment.

THE CHAMBER SUPPORTED THIS BILL

The Chamber supported this bill as it provided funding for the renovation of Weld Hall and Moorhead Readiness Center, while also providing partial funding for Moorhead’s Flood Protection infrastructure.

HF 670 • CAPITAL INVESTMENTS BILL – STATE FUNDS

PASSED AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The Capital Investments Cash Bill included $1.12 Billion in funding for vital infrastructure projects across the state of Minnesota, through state funding.

THE CHAMBER SUPPORTED THIS BILL

The Chamber supported this bill as it appropriated funds to demolish the current Dilworth Fire Station and community center and construct a new Fire Station to provide emergency services to cities and townships throughout Clay County.

SF 3040/ HF 3213 • MOORHEAD RAIL GRADE SEPARATION PROJECT2

INCLUDED IN AN OMNIBUS TRANSPORTATION BILL AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The bill appropriates $10 million to the Minnesota Department of Transportation for a rail grade separation project in the City of Moorhead.

THE CHAMBER SUPPORTED THIS BILL

The Chamber supported this bill as it provides much-needed funding for the 11th Street Rail Grade Separation Project in Moorhead to improve public safety.

SF 0479/ HF 0349 • MOORHEAD FLOOD HAZARD MITIGATION2

INCLUDED IN CAPITAL INVESTMENT BILLS AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The bill appropriates $24 million in bond proceeds to the city of Moorhead to continue flood mitigation and protection projects compatible with the Diversion.

SF 1189/ HF 0889 • DILWORTH FIRE STATION2

INCLUDED IN THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT BILL AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The bill appropriates $3.794 million in bond proceeds for the construction of a new fire station in Dilworth.

SF 2892/ HF 2880 • WELD HALL FUNDING2

INCLUDED IN THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT BILLS AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR WALZ

The bill appropriates $23 million to design, renovate, expand and equip Weld Hall.

THE CHAMBER SUPPORTED THIS BILL

The Chamber supported this bill as it provides much-needed funding for flood protection and mitigation throughout our region and finalizes outstanding Minnesota assets needed to complete the Diversion project.

THE CHAMBER SUPPORTED THIS BILL

The Chamber supported this bill as it provides the City of Dilworth with adequate state funding to replace the outdated fire station and improve public safety throughout our region.

THE CHAMBER SUPPORTED THIS BILL

The Chamber supported this bill as it includes critical funding for Minnesota State University Moorhead’s Weld Hall renovation.