A full-court press for private-sector jobs

By David C. Olson

The economy will be center stage when the 2010 Legislature convenes Feb. 4. Rest assured, the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce and our statewide network of local chambers will be working hard to ensure that the Legislature does nothing to increase the cost of doing business and slow the recovery.

Everyone loves to talk the talk; we're prepared to walk the talk.

Minnesota businesses face mounting competition in the global marketplace. There's no silver bullet to level the playing field. Our challenges are even more daunting, considering the multibillion-dollar projected shortfall in the state's general fund.

As the statewide voice of business, we will be advancing another aggressive and broad-based agenda with positions on approximately 50 policies. Our top five priorities are:

Spending/tax reform - We will advance spending reform that focuses on three components: Change the way the state sets its budgets to avoid overcommitting during times of surplus and to prioritize spending. Deliver government services at a lower cost per unit while maintaining or improving service. Reduce the overhead expenses of government, including recommendations on public employee benefits and compensation. We also will start the discussion on tax reform with a focus to encourage the growth of business in Minnesota and to create a more stable source of tax revenues.

Health care reform - Employers and employees alike need quality and affordable health care. The potential impact of federal health care reform legislation keeps health care a priority. The Chamber also will continue to monitor and support implementation of the 2008 state health care reform bill as well.
 
Environmental permitting - Streamlining, adding certainty and reducing the cost of the environmental permitting process is important to economic development. Businesses of all types and sizes identify problems in the system. In general, what takes months in other states can take multiple years in Minnesota. 

Repealing the nuclear ban - Minnesota is approaching a dangerous crossroads in its ability to provide base-load power to maintain the economic vitality of this state and the quality of life for all Minnesotans. Eliminating this gag rule that prevents regulators from even talking about expansion of nuclear energy is necessary to ensure a reliable supply of competitively priced electricity.

Alternative teacher licensing - Employers are increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of the workforce pool, and the problem will be exacerbated by demographic trends that show a decline in workforce growth. Minnesota should provide alternative opportunities for college graduates and experienced professionals to gain teacher accreditation. Studies show that second to parents, quality teachers are the top predictor of student success.
Our efforts at the Capitol always are bolstered by firsthand experiences. If you have examples to share, or if you seek additional information on our priorities, please contact Tom Hesse, our vice president of government affairs, at (651) 292-4678 or thesse@mnchamber.com.

We are most effective when we represent your priorities. We thank you in advance for your participation as we advance your agenda in St. Paul.

David Olson is president of the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit the Web at www.mnchamber.com.