Ramping Up Advocacy Efforts in 2022
Duluth and St. Louis County at the Capitol is nearly upon us. At this point, we hope you have had the chance to review the Legislative Priorities Booklet. It details the needs of our region and shares the stories of our community. Further, it is a good opportunity to better understand some of our bonding requests. These priorities remain just that – priorities. Yet, this year we have increased our efforts at the Capitol. We have made multiple trips to the Capitol already this Session, and authored support, advocating for our businesses, economy, and community.
These efforts have included advocacy for:
- Replenishing the UI Trust Fund to avoid a tax hike on our small businesses
- Support for broadband investment to deploy modern technology that will bring us closer together and open new doors for economic activity, education, and community health
- Labor force participation
- Investment in early childcare and education
- Equity and inclusion efforts (workforce and economic development)
- Investment in marketing Minnesota’s business and economic environment (Launch MN); many states invest $10’s of millions, Minnesota currently invests only about $150,000
- Housing
- Public safety
- Funding to modernize the infrastructure at the 148th Fighter Wing
- Updating airport property tax policy
- Local government aid
- Front-line worker pay
- Incentivizing economic development opportunities
- Healthcare provider initiatives
- Bonding requests
- Arts and entertainment economic expansion – way to go Chisholm!
A big thanks to our Policy and Advocacy Committee: Renee Mattson (Committee Chair, Trinity Creek Consulting), Daniel Fanning (Board Chair, LSC), Aaron Kelly (Chair Elect; LHB), Jennifer Cady (MAC Chair; MN Power), and Kenzie Hohman (Essentia). We are also fortunate to have the insight of Jeff Anderson (Costin Group, Inc.), who works as a government and public affairs consultant, as a board member.
Looking forward to working with everyone at the Capitol this year!
Feb 7, 2022 – Matt Baumgartner speaking in support of replenishing the UI Trust Fund.
Nov 10, 2021 – Military Affairs Committee (MAC) with the Senior U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar to discuss ongoing efforts to support the 148th Fighter Wing.
