2026 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
Feature
Rep. Andy Smith
DISTRICT 25B
What do you believe are the most pressing issues impacting the Rochester area business community that can be addressed during the 2026 legislative session? I think the most pressing issue impacting businesses in Rochester is consumer confidence. I've talked to several small business owners in many different industries and all have the same message: business is down significantly from this same time in 2024. Uncertainty in personal finances from federal chaos, programs like SNAP being defunded, loss of public sector jobs, loss of grants (particularly in STEM fields), have hurt household budgets and caused many consumers to tighten their belts. We need to give consumers stability at the state level and help them with the rising cost of living: healthcare, rent, food, transportation, etc.
What are your expectations for the 2026 legislative session? What potential legislation should the business community be aware of? The 2026 session will be tumultuous, as the partisan lines are drawn just about evenly. I think with 2026 being an election year and the fact that the legislature already passed a budget in the 2025 session for this year, my expectation is that very little legislation will get passed. I'm hopeful for some work to help Minnesotans in the wake of federal chaos, such as support for local foodbanks, will be able to be passed. What are your top priorities for the 2026 legislative session? As I said above, more funding for food services, particularly food banks, in light of the Trump Administration's cuts and funding delays. Anything that is passed should have a laser focus on making life more affordable for Minnesotans.
Bringing the Voice of Business to St. Paul
The Day at the Capitol brings together business and community leaders to share the voice of business in the Rochester region. Featuring legislators from both the Rochester delegation and throughout the state, Chamber members can share the issues impacting their business directly with those making the decisions in St. Paul. Stay tuned for more details!
DECEMBER 2025 — ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE | 7
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