2025 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW
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2025 LEGISLATIVE PREVIEW: Insights from Area Legislators Hear from local legislators on what they foresee as the most important issues impacting the business community and their expectations and priorities for the upcoming session.
For the past two years, the DFL has held a trifecta in Minnesota, controlling the State House, State Senate, and the governorship. However, this changed on the night of November 5th, when the GOP made significant gains, tightening control of the House to what appears to be a 67-67 split (as of publication, initial results show a 67-67 split, with two races undergoing recounts). A rare feat that occurred once in state history in 1979. As a result, both the DFL and GOP will need to negotiate a power-sharing agreement in the House. With the 2025 legislative session approaching, we are sharpening our focus on the legislative priorities of the Chamber and our members. Our agenda is informed by input from a diverse range of Chamber members, including small businesses, mid-sized employers, and large community partners. The Chamber’s top two priorities include support for local bonding projects and advocacy for legislative measures that address talent attraction, retention, and training needs to sustain the robust workforce in the Rochester region. Additionally, we will advocate for: • Modifying existing mandates such as Paid Family Medical Leave • Reducing barriers to employment and addressing workforce needs • Securing state funding for the development of interchanges on Highway 14 in Byron at County State Aid Highways 3 and 5 • Promoting economic development through tax reform and streamlined permitting
To view the full legislative agenda, please visit www.rochestermnchamber.com/advocacy or scan the QR code. Keeping you, our members, informed of legislative developments, the Chamber has enhanced our website to include a robust advocacy page. It includes resources on contacting local, state, and federal elected officials, as well as our full legislative agenda. Additionally, our Advocate newsletter, distributed bi-weekly during the legislative session, shares policy updates, opportunities for member engagement on policy, and relevant local, state, and national news. Before each legislative session, the Chamber connects with the Rochester area delegation, giving them a platform to share their perspectives on what they foresee as the most important issues impacting the business community and their expectations and priorities for the upcoming session. With the January 14th start of the 94th legislative session approaching, we encourage you to read their responses and gain insight into their outlook and priorities. Thank you to you, our members, for your continued engagement in our advocacy efforts as we work to share the voice of the Rochester area business community with our elected officials in St. Paul.
10 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — DECEMBER 2024
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