2008 Public Policy Positions

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The MRCC engages its members in developing a policy and advocacy agenda that reflects the concerns and priorities of the Regional business community.  The scope of issues reflects the wide array of interests of our membership and dictates our involvement at all levels of government. 

Throughout the year, our members and staff will work with local, regional and state policymakers to assure the voice of Chamber members is heard as decisions are considered and made that will impact the economic and cultural future of the Minneapolis Region.  We encourage our members to become involved with Chamber efforts to impact the policymaking in our region and state by getting involved in the MRCC Public Policy Committee or being involved in grassroots advocacy efforts on specific policy initiatives. 

The Chamber’s impact is only as strong as our members’ involvement.

 

 

Transportation

A continued investment in transportation systems allow for the reliable movement of people and goods, and enhance the economic competitiveness and quality of life for the region.  The MRCC supports a balanced transportation package that includes a substantial increase in user taxes for roads and bridges, and sufficient and committed revenue for tier I transit corridors and the Southwest LRT.   Specifically, the MRCC supports:

     
Road and Bridges (~ $380 million per year)

  • Increase the fuels tax 5 cents;

  • Partially restore the vehicle license tab fee schedule;

  • Dedicate 60 percent of the MVLST;

  • Increase the fuels tax 2.5 cents for debt service; and

  • Incorporate bonding to accelerate projects.

Transit (~ $100 million per year until 2020)

  • Significant state contributions for capital projects;

  • Increase fare box revenues for operating subsidies;

  • Dedicate 40 percent of the MVLST; and

  • If needed: increase metro sales tax, but link it to specific projects, set at the lowest rate possible, sunsets no later than 2020, implemented through existing government structure, used to leverage federal matching grants , and is a part of a dialogue for exempting business inputs.  

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Public Safety

Our leaders must improve the public safety of our region with relentless effort.  It is an issue that can greatly impact the economic development of our region.  The MRCC recognizes that these challenges are difficult and not subject to quick fix approaches.  The MRCC supports efforts that:

  • Secure federal funding for emergency preparedness;

  • Address livability crimes and prevent neighborhood degradation;

  • Expand technologies, such as “shot spotter” and cameras, as tactics to prevent and prosecute criminal actions;

  • Coordinate efforts between jurisdiction and government agencies; and

  • Forge public-private partnerships that explore policy initiatives designed to improve public safety across the region.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Affordable Housing

The MRCC is committed to partnering with employers, public agencies, interest groups and citizens to develop solutions for the affordable housing crisis.  To achieve an appropriate solution, the MRCC supports initiatives that:

  • Eliminate barriers that prevent the construction of new affordable housing or the restoring existing housing stock;

  • Provide direct involvement of foundations and not-for-profits in the development of affordable housing units; and

  • Promote the preservation of existing affordable housing stock, as well as new construction opportunities.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Economic Development

The MRCC supports economic development proposals that generate additional commerce and tourism for the state, or enhances the region’s attractiveness to potential employers and employees.  Specifically, the MRCC supports:

  • Efforts by the Minnesota Vikings to move the discussions forward on a development proposal;

  • Investments by the state that appropriately support the Mall of America’s Phase II project;

  • Funding for the study and pre-design tasks associated with the renovations of Minnesota Orchestra Hall; and

  • Programs that support the growth and development of small business in our region.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Energy

Businesses are concerned about the increasing costs and dependability of energy sources.  A comprehensive approach to energy policy will best improve the region’s ability to move toward greater price stability, reliability and efficiency.  The MRCC supports policies that:

  • Increase electricity generation from multiple sources, technologies and processes;

  • Engage businesses in conservation efforts, including tax incentives for cost-effective technologies;

  • Encourage the exploration of alternative energy technologies; and

  • Assures Minnesota remains competitive through equitable taxes for energy suppliers and energy generation.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Environment

The MRCC is committed to working in partnership with policymakers to ensure environmental policies are advanced based on sound scientific data and on overall economic benefit.  The MRCC supports:

  • Partnerships in the public-private sector that address environmental concerns and lead to innovative approaches;

  • Processes that will identify, evaluate and restore impaired waters, but also assures business growth is not prevented;

  • Policies that respect the rights of private property owners and encourages redevelopment; and

  • Permitting processes that are clear and concise so reliable guidelines are understood when expansion is considered.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Health Care

The MRCC believes state actions and policies should support the goal of increased access to health insurance for our state’s uninsured.  Those who are insured make better choices about their care and decrease the cost of health care for the business community. To achieve this goal, the MRCC advocates for policies that:

  • Encourage patients to receive greater information concerning quality of care standards;

  • Create better transparency in pricing, costs and quality for the individual service and full episode of care;

  • Provide additional health care purchasing opportunities for smaller businesses;

  • Promote good public health and wellness practices as means of controlling costs; and

  • Establish public-private partnerships to create innovative solutions to health care problems.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Taxation

Tax policy can greatly impact the business and consumer climate in our region.  Taxes on corporate income, property and business activities are extremely important to the business community.  Therefore, the MRCC:

  • Opposes tax increases to simply generate more revenue for government spending;

  • Opposes any shifts in the property tax burden for commercial and industrial property owners;

  • Supports efforts to maximize efficiencies and effectiveness of government agencies and programs;

  • Supports certain tax increases that meet specific policy objectives; and

  • Supports the phasing out of business inputs.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

Workforce Development

Workforce development is on the most important challenges facing employers today.  Demographic studies suggest current workforce shortages to be long-term and member surveys indicate employers are concerned worker preparedness.  To correct this problem, the MRCC supports:

  • Programs that provide workforce readiness and real-world training to high school students;

  • Skills training programs that target under-skilled job seekers and provide career advancement opportunities;

  • Systems within higher education that are responsive to employer workforce needs across all industries; and

  • International workers that can meet workforce demands and sanctions on employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers.

Click here to view the full policy statement

 

 

Additional Information

For additional information, questions, or concerns, contact MRCC Director of Public Policy, Travis Bunch.