Minnsights Blog

Environmental sustainability and economic competitiveness do not need to be mutually exclusive. Minnesota energy providers and ratepayers have made significant investments to enhance energy systems – power generation, transmission and pipelines – and reduced harmful environments impacts at the same time. According to a recent study of businesses, 75% names reliability and affordability as the most important consideration of energy policy. Legislators must take steps to ensure affordable and reliable energy for businesses and oppose new mandates, fees and assessments that increase electricity prices.

Access to high-quality, affordable health care is necessary for employers to stay competitive. A strong majority of Minnesota Chamber member organizations offer health insurance to their employees, although employers – especially small employers – struggle with the high cost of insurance. And according to a recent survey, 75% of those who offer these benefits report that they will need to make a change their offerings if costs continue to increase.

Minnesota companies are often recognized as some of the best places to work in the nation. Employers are in the best position to design benefit packages that serve the needs of their businesses and employees. Mandating broad-sweeping, one-size-fits-all employee benefits threaten employees’ ability to compete, especially as the state’s economy begins to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Legislators must preserve private-sector flexibility on wage, benefit, scheduling and employee classification divisions. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted businesses in every corner of Minnesota, from decreased demand for products and services, to break-downs in supply chains, to some closing their doors forever. Reopening the economy and managing the ongoing economic fallout is a top business community concern, according to a recent survey. Lawmakers must focus on steps to avoid additional restrictions on businesses and not raise costs or burdens on businesses already struggling to survive.

This report provides data to illustrate those initial severe and unprecedented impacts of the pandemic and government interventions as well as the ongoing uncertainty and challenges. An economic imperative stands before us: We must restore livelihoods now and position the state for long-term growth. It’s possible, and it’s a collective effort. Public health and economic recovery must go hand in hand. Whether you are reading this report as a private-sector employer or an elected official, you have a responsibility to move the needle forward into a period of improvement and long-term success.