Chamber News
2025 Legislative Agenda The Chamber's legislative priorities for 2025, shaped by insights from our member businesses, were released in December.
KEY LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES Infrastructure
Support bonding efforts encouraging development and sustainability to enhance the Rochester region, including road infrastructure and community projects that positively impact the regional business community (e.g., Integrated Resource Recovery System, RST Solar Parking, and Sewer Infrastructure Investments for Housing). Workforce Support legislative efforts to create new and enhance existing talent attraction, retention, and training programs that meet the robust workforce needs of employers in the Rochester region. ADDITIONAL PRIORITIES Workforce • Advocate for the modification of existing mandates (Paid Family Medical Leave) and oppose additional mandates that can impede the growth and operations of the business community. • Support legislation to reduce barriers to employment and address workforce gaps by reforming licensing processes in high-demand careers (Nurse Licensure Compact). • Promote the creation and development of workforce programs and initiatives that promote career pathways, encourage industry partnerships with education, and increase awareness of high-demand job opportunities (e.g., Bridges to Healthcare, career academies, career simulators, internship programs, University of Minnesota Rochester investment in facilities and new programs). Infrastructure • Enhance safety and mobility along the Highway 14 corridor through the construction of interchanges on TH14 at CSAH 3 and CSAH 5 which would facilitate regional development along the TH 14 corridor in Byron and Olmsted County. • Address regional housing needs through the development and expansion of initiatives and resources, while advocating for balanced regulations that encourage development. General Business • Advocate for increased access and funding to mental health services and funding to address the mental health needs to improve workforce well-being, productivity, and community health. • Encourage effective economic development through tax reform, support of programs and incentives, and a streamlined permitting process to enable investment, drive business growth, and make Minnesota competitive in business attraction and retention.
30 | ROCHESTER AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ADVANTAGE MAGAZINE — FEBRUARY 2025
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