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.

Minnesota businesses value the contributions of immigrants to the state. Their roles as workers, entrepreneurs, consumer and a link to the world economy are increasingly important to the development and growth of the economy and communities throughout Minnesota. Demographics show that as the population ages and the economy grows, Minnesota will not have the numbers of people available to fill labor needs, and immigrants are a key solution to this challenge. 

Strategic investments that encourage economic growth and recovery also reduce regulatory burdens and roadblocks to innovation.

Accelerating private-sector workforce efforts to help employers attract and retain the skilled workers they need to compete.

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.