Chamber News C CHAMBER ANNOUNCES 2022 LEGISLATIVE AGENDA
A s the 2022 legislative session begins, the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce presents our 2022 legislative agenda. The legislative agenda represents key priorities for the Rochester area business community and will provide an overview of our path forward in the current legislative session. The Chamber will advocate for the support of workforce programs that drive talent attraction and retention, utilizing state and federal funds to address the deficit in Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, and infrastructure and community projects that can elevate the Rochester region. Encouraging a strong business environment in the Rochester region and access for businesses to the resources needed to continue their recovery from the pandemic is a priority and the Chamber. The Chamber team welcomes the opportunity to collaborate with legislators, businesses, community partners and more to promote a growing business community in the region. Key Legislative Priorities: Infrastructure Support of bonding efforts that encourage development, sustainability and enhance the Rochester region, including road infrastructure and community projects that positively impact the regional business community. Workforce Support of workforce programs and initiatives that provide career pathways and awareness of high-demand career opportunities, including experiential learning opportunities.
Additional Priorities: Workforce
General Business • Support the use of state and federal funds to address the deficit in Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. • Support efforts to reduce uncompetitive taxes that hinder entrepreneurship, talent attraction and retention, and business growth and investment. • Oppose additional mandates and workplace restrictions to allow area businesses the opportunity to make appropriate and responsive decisions for their workplace and changing economic conditions. • 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 legislation which reforms occupational licensing processes in high-demand occupations to address workforce gaps and assist in talent attraction and retention. Healthcare • Support efforts to sustain Medicaid Expansion, ensuring access to services and to to help control health care costs and expense to business. • Infrastructure • Support the growth of telecommunications infrastructure, including rural communities, to ensure access to reliable internet service for businesses and community. • Support the extension of funding for the Rochester International Airport runway improvement project to ensure reconstruction and airport enhancements are completed.
| Advantage Magazine 14
February 2022
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