Advocacy News | June 17, 2021
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

While the legislature works through its last couple of weeks of special session (I hope) the PA team is looking back at the 2021 session, and also forward to 2022.

As we do every year, this fall the public policy committee will be taking a look at our Advocacy Areas of Focus document, which is adopted by our Board of Directors, and serves as the work plan for our advocacy efforts for the coming year. The document is a statement that reflects our member's priorities and serves as a guide for how we take positions.

As we're prepping for this review, we'd be interested in hearing from members.
What are the issues that are important to your business? In what ways could public policy make your job and how you take care of customers and employees better, or easier? If you have an experience or a story you'd be willing to share, please reach out to me or John (JP). Our members are our best source of information and the "subject matter experts" that it's our job to represent.

Thank you for your help, and thank you for letting us continue to represent your business.

Shannon Watson
Vice President of Public Affairs
Follow me on Twitter @Shannon_SPACC

p.s. We don't have a "Federal News" section, so listing this here; today the President signed the bill to make Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday. This goes into effect immediately, but because June 19 this year is on Saturday, many federal offices will observe it tomorrow. If you have to interact with a government office tomorrow, best call ahead just in case.
IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS
The City Manager in North St. Paul has resigned, after a city council member called for an audit.

Arden Hills city council will consider establishing food truck permits after one complaint.

City councils in east metro cities such as Shoreview, Inver Grove Heights, Burnsville, Roseville, Mounds View, and Falcon Heights are re-evaluating and nixing unnecessary regulations.

Metro Transit adjusts bus route 63 frequency and adds a new route 323 from Sun Ray to Woodbury.

Federal funding dollars heading to St. Paul raise questions over priority and process.

Washington County will have a higher sales tax starting on October 1.

Residents in Cottage Grove will have the opportunity to vote on a new civic complex project on their November ballot.

The buckthorn removal brigade (of goats) are back to work in Burnsville.

South St. Paul begins the process of reconstructing Concord Street.
We regularly get calls from reporters looking for businesses to comment on a wide set of issues. To make those interactions easier and quicker we keep a list of member company media contacts and areas of expertise. If your company is willing to speak to media on the record, email Shannon and she'll add you to the list.
IN STATE GOVERNMENT NEWS

Can the Governor and the Legislature come to agreement on emergency powers? Looks like maybe yes. Or maybe no.

Potential state shutdown means layoff notices for workers. It might also mean more cost to construction projects.

There are some agreements, and more yet to be determined.
Supporting our members' own advocacy at the Capitol and in City Halls across the East Metro. If you have an issue you’re working on and would like support from the Chamber, contact Shannon to discuss the options. From committee testimony, to letters of support, to meetings with elected officials, we're here to support you and champion an economically vibrant business community. Especially if you do not have in-house government relations staff or contract lobbyists to move your issues, our public affairs team can be a powerful ally and a valuable benefit of membership.
PUBLIC AFFAIRS ISSUE FORUMS - New for 2021!
Instead of another webinar presentation to watch, our members are invited to participate in a roundtable meeting around a timely issue.

We're working on a new lineup of Issue Forums for summer and fall! Dates and topics are being announced soon, so watch this space.
OPPORTUNITIES TO GET INVOLVED

Feedback requested on Rush Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project:
Ramsey County recently published an environmental assessment for the proposed Rush Line project, which would connect Union Depot to White Bear Lake. The document includes information about the project’s potential transportation, social and environmental benefits and impacts, and mitigation strategies for anticipated impacts. You can read the environmental assessment and submit comments on it through June 25, 2021, on the Ramsey County Rush Line BRT project web page.

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter's office is hosting three "budget game" roundtables: June 22 at 4:00pm, June 30 at 5:30pm and July 8 at 6:30pm. These virtual events are free and open to the public with registration.
2021 PUBLIC AFFAIRS SPONSORS
Thank you to the following companies supporting public affairs initiatives and programming in 2021!
Want to see your logo here? It's not too late! Contact Shannon.
ITS ELECTION SEASON AGAIN!

That means the East Metro Voter Guide is back too! If you or someone you know is running for Mayor or City Council in the East Metro this year (White Bear Lake, St Paul, St. Anthony Village, St. Paul Park, Mahtomedi, or Falcon Heights) connect with John for a questionnaire!
St. Paul Area Chamber