Chamber News C CHAMBER ADVOCACY UPDATE
A pril 4th, was the final committee deadline for the 2023 legislative session. This deadline signals the end of most committee work as legislators gear up for a busy final month of the session. During this final stretch, the Chamber will remain active in its advocacy for our member businesses and our legislative priorities. Paid Family and Medical Leave Recently the Paid Family and Medical Leave legislation (HF2/SF2) has undergone a few revisions. Despite these revisions, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce along with a coalition of Rochester area businesses remain opposed to House File 2 and Senate File 2 as it is currently written. While there have been attempts to amend the legislation, work still needs to be done to ensure that the bill will not harm the business community. This legislation would mandate a one-size-fits all, state administered program, of up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and up to 12 weeks of paid medical leave on the business community. The current workforce environment is strained, with talent attraction being a key struggle for employers. Coupled with the paid sick and safe time act (HF19/ SF34), the impact of the mandate will only be exacerbated. We ask that the legislature consider these concerns of the business community. To address these issues, we recommend the following amendments to the legislation: • Cap the program at a maximum of 12 weeks paid leave • Match the definition of a “family member’ to the existing definition in the federal Family and Medical Leave Act • Amend the legislation to avoid a one-size fits all mandate Given the implications of this bill amidst the challenges that our businesses currently face, we urge the business community to contact your Legislator and encourage them to VOTE NO on House File 2 and Senate File 2 as it is currently written.
Bonding Bill In early March the House passed the bonding bill (HF669) which included support for the various Rochester and Olmsted County bonding requests, clearing the 2/3 majority threshold needed to pass. However, its companion bill in the Senate (SF676) failed to clear the 2/3 majority needed and after multiple failed votes it was tabled by a 51-15 vote. The DFL has proposed the idea of moving to use cash for the bonding projects which would only require a simple majority to pass. While this proposal would fund a majority of the Rochester and Olmsted County bonding projects, the bonding authority extension for Rochester International Airport (currently HF265/SF715), a key legislative priority of the Chamber, may not be included. Southeast Minnesota Simulation Center The appropriation of funds for the Southeast Minnesota Simulation Center is a key priority in the Chamber’s legislative agenda. We continue to advocate for the funding of the simulation center as it would make a great impact on workforce needs, specifically in the field of nursing. Recently the Chamber wrote a letter to the area delegation to share with our support for House File 2521 and Senate File 2452 which would appropriate funds for the simulation center.
Jonathon Krull, Public Affairs & Leadership
Development Director at the
Chamber, keeping you posted on the legislative session.
Advantage Magazine | 23
April 2023
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