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The Lakeville Chamber is a member of the Minnesota Chamber Federation. Here are some of the items the MN Chamber is working on, on behalf of the business community:
The MN Chamber is actively working with legislators on amendments to make the paid leave mandates more acceptable to employers. Some examples include:
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ESST: fixing the “more generous PTO” issue; adjusting notice and documentation provisions; addressing ESST misuse issues; and possible exemptions.
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Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML): program launch delay; program scoping modifications (e.g. total number of weeks; weekly benefit formula); beta test options; private plan viability and functionality issues; seasonal employee definition; and possible exemptions.
ENERGY: The Minnesota Senate held a hearing focused on expanding reliable, low carbon energy sources including bills expanding access to hydroelectric power, lifting the nuclear moratorium for new generating facilities under 300 MW, and a bill that would have lifted the nuclear moratorium completely. The Minnesota Chamber testified in support of the two bills that would lift the nuclear moratorium.
Upcoming Dates:
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Governor Walz can issue a writ of special election on Wednesday, February 5, to fill the House 40B seat. This seat was vacated due to the winning DFL candidate not residing in the district as required by law.
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The special election in the House will likely be set for mid-March.
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House Republicans have filed a lawsuit to the Minnesota Supreme Court arguing that - even without a quorum - they may legally compel absent members to be present for session. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on Thursday, February 6.
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DFLer Doron Clark won the Senate district 60 special election and was sworn in this week, giving Democrats a 34-33 advantage. Democrats eliminated the prior power-sharing agreement. This means the Senate will no longer have co-presiding officers, split committee chairs or equal representation on committees.
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The February budget forecast is expected to be released on March 6. These will be the final projections lawmakers use to create the state's budget for the next two years. Governor Walz is also set to release his final budget proposal on March 15.
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The constitutional deadline to adjourn the session is May 19.
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