The Eden Prairie Chamber participated in bringing a pro-business message to the Capitol on April 15th. Our members heard from key Legislators and Minnesota Chamber staff to get updates on key issues and where bills stand at the Capitol. This included:
- Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) – businesses continue to share their concerns over costs (both taxes and managing the impacts) with elected officials. Our own chamber members (especially small businesses) highlight the major impact this will have as employees take 12 weeks to potentially 20 weeks of paid leave and the need to fill those roles. Our elected officials commented more data is needed before changes will take place.
- Tax conformity – we heard directly from the MN Department of Revenue regarding tax conformity. There is still hope that Minnesota will conform to the federal tax bill and help save business people money and time. We heard some key items that may not conform including the 1099 threshold staying at $600 instead of the new federal rate of $2,000.
- Other items unlikely to pass this session, but items to keep an eye on – new taxes including social media tax, wealth tax and discussions related to a retro-carbon tax.
We met with Senator Steve Cwodzinski, Representative Alex Falconer, and Representative Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn to discuss key issues affecting our local economy.
During these meetings, we requested their support for:
- Revisions to Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) that better align with the needs of businesses and government entities
- Tax conformity measures to promote economic stability and saving businesses time and money
- An extension of the TIF district at JCPenney
We also emphasized ongoing concerns about high taxes, local workforce challenges, and the negative impact of certain state mandates on businesses in our community.
- Senator Cwodzinski Photo – Kevin Fletcher (Incentives Marketplace), Joel de Leon (International School of MN), Senator Cwodzinski, Lanette Hines (Hines Services), Nancy Litwin (Eden Prairie Center), Pat MulQueeny (President, Eden Prairie Chamber)
- State Rep Photo - Pat MulQueeny (President, Eden Prairie Chamber), Nancy Litwin (Eden Prairie Center), Rep. Carlie Kotyza-Witthuhn, Kevin Fletcher (Incentives Marketplace), Rep. Alex Falconer, Lanette Hines (Hines Services), Joel De Leon (International School of MN),
- Not pictured – Ja”Davian Jackson (First Bank and Trust)
