Government Relations Committee
David Olson

Minnesota Chamber Federation delivers results.
By David C. Olson

The 2008 Legislature posed both opportunities and threats for the state’s business community. Once again, the Minnesota Chamber Federation delivered on your priorities.

From health care and energy to taxes and transportation, the Minnesota Chamber advanced your priorities and blocked measures that threatened the livelihood and security of employers and employees alike. The victories on both “offense” and “defense” were noteworthy that policymakers faced a projected $935 million shortfall for this two-year budget cycle in the midst of an economic downturn.

Among the results we delivered:

Health care – Major steps were taken to address cost, quality and transparency in the delivery of health care. There is no “silver bullet” in this debate, but action taken should begin the process of reducing health care cost increases over time. Among the noteworthy items, beginning in September 2010, consumers will have access to information on providers’ cost and quality and how they compare with their peers. Health plans will specifically be required to develop products for individuals and small employers that use the information to establish financial incentives for selecting higher-quality, lower-cost providers.

Taxes – The projected budget shortfall was closed without any increases in general fund taxes. Our members were unified in our message to “hold the line” on spending. We blocked increases to the statewide property tax and corporate income tax measures that would have placed Minnesota at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.

Transportation – Priority road, bridge and transit projects across the state will see the first significant infusion of new dollars in nearly 20 years. While we supported additional investment in our transportation infrastructure, we successfully lobbied to reduce the level of new taxes and fees imposed on Minnesotans. Efficiency is our next focus, and we secured the creation of a task force that will develop recommendations to ensure that the new dollars are spent wisely.

Environment/energy – The session began with aggressive proposals to establish a Minnesota-only cap-and-trade system to control greenhouse gas emissions. We opposed the legislation on the basis that it’s premature to make decisions without knowing the economic impact on Minnesota businesses and consumers. The final legislation was pared down to order an economic impact and potential revenue study for a regional cap-and-trade system.

The 2009 session already looms important, especially if the economic downtown continues and there is pressure to raise taxes. In that regard, we have completed a series of meetings across to state to identify your priorities for next year.

The Minnesota Chamber prides itself as your full-time government affairs team in St. Paul. Our success, however, would not be possible without our broad-based grassroots lobbying from members statewide. Working together, we can make Minnesota a better place to do business.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. To access the findings of the 2007 Citizen Compass, visit www.mnchamber.com.