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June Business Spotlight

Serving the Litchfield Community for Over 20 Years

Mediacom began serving Litchfield residents with video in 1999, later adding internet, phone, and business services. Our dedicated team boasts many decades of experience and knowledge in telecommunications services and continues to be an industry leader in providing high-speed broadband services. Mediacom’s best-in-class broadband services delivered on a fiber-rich, 100% gigabit technology network provide Litchfield households with speeds ranging from 100 Mbps to 1 Gig, including powerful in-home WiFi. Our Mediacom Business team offers broadband services to meet various business needs. From cloud-based voice solutions, modem-based Gigabit services, and customizable 100% fiber solutions, Mediacom Business offers the business sector a trusted source for fast and reliable connectivity services. Reliable internet access has become indispensable for communities to thrive, especially as families are increasingly working, schooling, and accessing healthcare from home. Mediacom understands these needs better than anyone and remains dedicated to deploying innovative solutions to ensure that every business and household in Litchfield has access to reliable high-speed internet service.

Affordable Broadband with Xtream Connect Now Available for Qualifying Families 

Mediacom is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Xtream Connect, a low-cost internet package designed to keep internet services at home affordable and accessible for qualifying households. Xtream Connect offers in-home WiFi with 100/20 Mbps service for $28.99 monthly, which includes a modem rental. Interested parties can view the qualification guidelines and the application process online: mediacomcable.com/xtream-connect

Mediacom Mobile Coming Soon

Mediacom is excited to announce the launch of Mediacom Mobile, a reliable cellular service that offers plans to fit any budget. Plan options include By the Gig for $15/mo and Unlimited for $40/mo., all provided on a fast, Nationwide 5G and 4G LTE Network. Mediacom Mobile customers will enjoy unlimited talk & text, access to hundreds of Xtream WiFi Hotspots, WiFi calling and so much more. Switching is easy and there are no contracts required!

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Chamber Happenings

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MINNESOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

At the Capital



ISSUES IMPACTING THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY

TAXES

What passed

  • Net Operating Loss Effective Date Fix: Corrected the effective date for net operating loss adjustments from tax year 2023 to 2024, which impacts start-ups & small businesses.

What Did Not Pass

  • Corporate Tax Return Disclosure: Proposal to disclose private corporate tax returns for corporations with $250 million or more in U.S. sales, opposed by the Chamber for violating taxpayer confidentiality.
  • Corporate Base Erosion Study: Proposed study on international income taxation & mandatory worldwide reporting - opposed by the Chamber.


Tax Spreadsheet Bill Language

ENERGY

What Passed

  • Permitting reform to speed up approval for wind, solar, & transmission projects passed.
  • Legislature committed over $50 million in utility customer fee funds for grants & programs over the next decade.

What Did Not Pass

  • No progress on nuclear energy deployment in MN, including a limited exemption to the nuclear moratorium or a state study on nuclear power.

TELECOM

What Passed

  • New data management law- exemptions for small businesses, aligning w/ existing state laws.

What Did Not Pass

  • Proposal to authorize city-imposed franchise fees on broadband providers failed. Aimed to create new 5% tax on broadband service for customers.

HEALTH CARE

What Passed

  • New health insurance mandates & regulations-increased costs for employers/employees.

What Did Not Pass

  • State-run MinnesotaCare public option- reduced payments to doctors/hospitals- jeopardized access to care & threatened insurance market stability.

TRANSPORTATION

What Did Not Pass

  • Legislation for a Clean Transportation Standard- increased fuel costs by up to 50 cents/gallon.

PAID FAMILY AND

MEDICAL LEAVE

What Passed

DEED's Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) “Fixes” Bill- Chamber opposed due to increased costs & liabilities:

  • Payroll Tax Rate: Proposed increase-0.7% to 0.88% in 2026, & at least 0.93% by 2029.
  • Cost Overruns: Actual expenses exceeded initial estimates by $628 million over first 3 years.

PRICING DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS

(JUNK FEE BILL)

What Passed

Chamber opposed- HF 3438 mandates upfront pricing in all ads/displays of goods/services, businesses required to include all mandatory fees/services in advertised price. Amendments delay implementation until 1/1/25 & exempt industries covered by other pricing disclosure laws.

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WORKPLACE MANAGEMENT

What Passed

Labor Policy Omnibus - Chamber opposed:

  • Increased minimum wage.
  • Banned restrictive employment covenants.
  • Updated pregnancy leave laws.
  • Required salary range disclosures.

Labor Supplemental Budget - Chamber opposed:

  • Expanded sick and safe time mandates.
  • Increased penalties for worker misclassification.
  • Created multi-agency enforcement partnership.
  • New contractor test for building services.

What Did Not Pass

  • Minimum Wage: No increase to $20.00/hour.
  • Unemployment Insurance: No UI for striking or unauthorized workers.
  • Worker Misclassification: No changes outside building services. Task force review next session.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION

What Passed

  • The Chamber supported the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC) bill.
  • The Chamber serves on the state’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council (WCAC), a statutory labor-employer council that negotiates reforms to the workers’ compensation system before recommending a consensus bill to the Legislature.
  • The WCAC’s 2024 bill builds on many months of work by the WCAC & workers’ compensation stakeholders.

ENVIRONMENT

What Passed

  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Legislation- Paper/plastic packaging disposal costs on manufacturers. $35-65/month more per family.
  • Increased authority for MPCA, including cease-and-desist orders.
  • More air emission reporting requirements.
  • Coordinated project plans for economic development.

What Did Not Pass

  • Container deposit/bottle bill.
  • Increased tax on electronic products.
  • Moratoriums on feedlots.
  • Amortization of businesses without compensation.
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