Chamber News C
LEGISLATIVE AGENDA The Chamber’s legislative priorities for 2023 KEY LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Infrastructure
Support of bonding efforts that encourage development and sustainability to enhance the Rochester region, including road infrastructure and community projects that positively impact the regional business community. Workforce Support of workforce development that facilitates a sustainable labor market through innovative training and enhanced educational programs that provide opportunities for experiential learning including career simulator pathways, high school and college internship programs, apprenticeships, and other models of employment readiness. ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES Workforce • Support legislation to reduce barriers to employment by reforming occupational licensing processes in high- demand occupations to address workforce gaps and assist in talent attraction and retention. Infrastructure • Support the growth of telecommunications infrastructure such as broadband, across the Rochester region and surrounding rural communities, to ensure access to reliable internet service for businesses and the community. • Support the extension of the 2020 airport runway bonding authority for the Rochester International Airport’s runway improvement project to ensure reconstruction and airport enhancements are completed. • Support the construction of an interchange at Highway 44 and Highway 14 to improve safety and support regional growth and economic development. General Business • Support legislation that will encourage a competitive tax climate for entrepreneurship, talent attraction and retention, and business growth and investment. • Support efforts to reform the regulatory process to ensure Minnesota and the Rochester region is competitive in the attraction and retention of business while maintaining sensible environmental regulations. • Encourage effective economic development through support of programs and incentives that can inspire investment in enterprise, drive regional business growth, and strengthen the ability of Rochester and Minnesota to be competitive in business attraction and retention. • Support the renewal of the City of Rochester’s Local Option Sales Tax as a funding opportunity for infrastructure and development.
Advantage Magazine | 17
February 2023
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