What's New(s): St. Paul Area Chamber Advocacy Update

Advocacy News | February 18, 2021

ONE GIANT PUZZLE

Budget years always shine a little extra light on how the different levels of government work together (or not) to create our (mostly) functioning system. Who pays for what and where the dollars come from has always been a subject of debate. And the ongoing discussions of coronavirus response stimulus packages serve as a reminder that unlike the federal government, the state can't just print money -- the yearly ins and outs have to balance.

Minnesotans are used to having this discussion when talking about normal budget expenditures like education and local government assistance. But this year we're seeing the debate play out in a more specific way -- everything from who pays for salary costs when police departments pitch in, to who's on the hook for maintaining transit infrastructure.

In a lot of ways, it's good that these discussions are more material and less theoretical - - it's way easier for "normal" Minnesotans to understand that these decisions aren't easy and have a very specific impact.

Your PA team is keeping an eye on bills and weighing in when the business community will be impacted. If your piece of the puzzle is in question, let us know.

Shannon Watson

Vice President of Public Affairs

Follow me on Twitter @Shannon_SPACC

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

Who pays for public safety during the Chauvin trial is dividing the legislature, and not just on party lines.

According to the 179-page bill, legalizing recreational marijuana has a lot of touchpoints in and out of state law. It passed its first committee vote this week.

Governor gives the green light for more schools to open in-person classes.

BILLS WE'RE WATCHING

Each week we'll highlight a few bills at the legislature that have caught our attention. Being included in this list just means we're watching them -- it does not indicate approval or opposition. ("Retweets =/= endorsement.") Language from the bill title is listed, analysis from Chamber PA staff is in brackets.

HF1122 / SF938 providing for the election of Metropolitan Council members

[Election vs appointment of Met Council has been a topic of conversation since the organization was created by the legislature in 1967.]

HF1113 / SF445 providing uniformity for employment mandates on private employers

[Welcome back, yearly preemption bill.]

HF1027 / SF957 establishing the governor's budget for transportation and public safety activities; modifying various provisions governing transportation and public safety policy and finance

[One policy provision in this bill would change the way some capital and operating costs for transit projects are shared by the Met Council and local governments. Expect to hear more about this as the session moves along.]

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 Policy Conversations are back for 2021, with a focus on east metro legislators. These meetings will be held via Zoom, with an opportunity for our members to participate live. To be invited to the meeting, complete the form and we'll add you to the calendar invitation. (Invitations close at noon the business day prior, so get your request in early.)

Representative Jay Xiong

February 22, noon-12:30 pm

I'd like to join this meeting

Representative Steve Sandell

February 26, 10:00-10:30 am

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Representative Jon Koznick

March 1, 1:00-1:30 pm

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Representative Kelly Moller

March 2, 1:00-1:30 pm

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Senator Roger Chamberlain

March 3, 11:00-11:30 am

I'd like to join this meeting

Senator Karla Bigham

March 8, 5:30-6:00 pm

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Representative Pat Garofalo

March 9, noon-12:30 pm

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Senator Foung Hawj

March 16, noon-12:30 pm

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Representative John Huot

March 23, noon-12:30 pm

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Representative Tony Jurgens

March 23 1:00-1:30 pm

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Senator Mary Kunesh

April 13 11:30 am - noon

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Representative Don Raleigh

April 19 8:00-8:30 am

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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.

Issue Forum on Businesses & Public Safety

Join our panel of east metro police departments' leadership to talk about things you can do to keep your business and your employees safe.

Wednesday, March 3 1:00-2:00 pm

I'd like to join this meeting

Issue Forum on Business Taxes & Remote Work

If you have employees working remotely, what happens when they change physical locations? Different states have different laws which can affect your business and the taxes you owe. Join our tax experts to talk about what you should know.

The date of this meeting hasn't been finalized, but will be soon! If you're interested in the topic, fill out the form and we'll communicate details asap.

I'd like to join this meeting

IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT NEWS

Landlords sue the city of St. Paul over tenant screening and lease laws.

Lakeville is seeing a commercial building boom, a new apartment project was approved in South St. Paul, and Arden Hills is getting a new senior living facility. Meanwhile, a developer in St. Paul will appeal a planning commission denial to the city council.

Suspended Inver Grove Heights city administrator and city work out a separation agreement.