June 22, 2008
Minnesotans have only begun to feel the impact of the 2008 Legislature. The tentacles of the hundreds of new laws will affect citizens in one way or another.
Policymakers delivered on many of the priorities of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and, thus, of all Minnesotans. Important steps were taken in areas such as health care and transportation, and the shortfall in the general fund was resolved without raising general fund taxes. The more inviting we make our state as a place to retain and grow jobs, the greater the economic security for you and your family.
Rising health care costs are taking a bigger and bigger chunk out of everyone's paychecks. The Minnesota Chamber was instrumental in passing a major health care reform bill that takes important steps to help individuals buy insurance coverage in the private market — and not leave tax-supported public programs as their only option. Among other provisions, Minnesotans will have access to easy-to-understand information on the cost and quality of care delivered by doctors and hospitals. And they can see how the providers of care compare with their peers.
Idling in Twin Cities traffic or navigating dangerous highways in rural Minnesota costs every Minnesotan time and money. The Minnesota Chamber helped break the 20-year gridlock on substantive and long-term funding for roads, bridges and transit. The business community rarely advocates for higher taxes, but it's not unprecedented if we identify a need and make certain the new money will go for that purpose. A new commission also will recommend measures to ensure that all transportation dollars are spent wisely and efficiently.
The state's economy is struggling, and family pocketbooks are stretched to the limit. Yet many lawmakers still called for higher taxes and gave little attention to the fact that state revenues naturally grow. The Minnesota Chamber helped to make certain the state budget was balanced without raising general fund taxes. And state spending still grew by about 9 percent for the current two-year cycle. We expect most Minnesotans would be quite pleased to see their incomes jump nearly 5 percent a year.
Energy costs are rising, too, so now was not the time to raise them even more. We at the chamber know the importance of a clean environment to everyone's livelihoods, and we are strong proponents of conserving energy. Every kilowatt of energy saved is a dollar saved, and that benefits the environment at the same time. No new legislation was required to convince Minnesotans of the wisdom of conservation.
That said, we continue to oppose additional government mandates. We ensured that a study will be completed to determine the cost on all customers before ordering expensive new programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Now is not the time to reduce standards for high school graduation. K-12 public school reforms had to be protected to help Minnesotans evaluate the outcomes received for their tax dollars. We helped defeat a proposal to allow students who fail the new high school graduation tests to receive high school diplomas. This not only would have undermined efforts to close the achievement gap, but it also would have hindered graduates as they compete for jobs in the rapidly changing global economy.
The Minnesota Chamber is acknowledged as an advocate for the statewide business community. Often not recognized, however, is that our membership represents more than half a million employees, as well. As such, we work to make sure the state remains a good place to do business and for all Minnesotans to enjoy a prosperous quality of life.
Laurie Lewandowski of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, is chairwoman the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.
This web site is developed and owned by the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. Any use or reprinting is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
GROW MINNESOTA! Annual Report
» Download 2006-2007 Annual Report
In the News
Chamber partners with SFM Companies to provide Discounted Workers' Comp Coverage
» Learn more about this product
Insurance renewals on your mind?
» Ask for a quote on the Chamber Life & Disability Program
State & National Economic Indicators
» Read about the indicators
Upcoming Events
2008 Annual Golf Tournaments
» Register now.
Minnesota Business Gives Workshops
Strategies for Smart Giving: How to Say “Yes” and When to Say “No”
» Find a workshop in your area.