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What do you foresee as a key issue that will impact the Rochester area business community in the 2023 legislative session? The development of the FY24-25 budget impacts all Minnesotans. Providing meaningful tax relief will empower Minnesotans and drive economic growth. As a high tax state, this is always a concern but even more so during this time of high inflation. The $18 Billion budget surplus should make tax relief a sure thing. However, the DFL controlled House and Governor have supported a new payroll tax. It remains to be seen if the new DFL controlled Senate will follow suit. Providing property tax relief across the board would also be extremely helpful but is uncertain. The growth of P-Tech (Pathways in Technology and Early College High) can help address local workforce shortages and drive equity. Rochester has Minnesota’s first P-Tech school with business partners IBM and Mayo Clinic providing career pathways in technology and healthcare. Another key issue will be action on a capitol infrastructure bill, aka bonding bill. Our area has several critical projects: A full interchange at Highway 14 and County 44, the Materials Recovery Facility, Graham Park, Willow Creek Trail extension as well as taking care of other state assets and capital investment projects to promote innovative and collaborative partnerships between public and private entities. What are your expectations for the 2023 legislative session? Are there trends the business community should be aware of? The 2023 session will be notable for its large surplus, full agenda, and many newcomers. It will be a robust session packed with developing a two-year budget, a major infrastructure bill, and managing a historic surplus. It will be notable for the large number of freshmen. Nearly 1 in 3 of legislators will be first- termers. Needless to say, it will be a fast-paced session. While we do have an historic surplus there is still an appetite for increased revenues and regulation of business in Minnesota. I will be vigilant and fight against increasing the cost of doing business in Minnesota and urge you to join me in reducing the cost of being an entrepreneur in MN. Watch out for the tendency to spend one-time money on ongoing expenses. This would drive deficits or need for increasing revenues. Also, be on the alert for government growth into the private business sector. While a divided government is hard work, it tends to eliminate the extremes. The new trifecta of full DFL control means that it is more important than ever for Minnesotans to pay attention to legislative proposals and engage with their elected officials. The Chamber can provide a great service by helping vet legislative proposals and gathering input from its members.
Sen. Carla Nelson DISTRICT 24
Advantage Magazine | 7
January 2023
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