2024 Eggs & Issues Legislative Breakfast

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

Join us for Eggs & Issues, our annual discussion with Lakes Area legislators focused on business, jobs and the economy. As the legislative session and 2024 elections heat up, this is a unique opportunity to meet representatives, ask questions and share your opinions on issues that impact your business. Seating is limited to 160.

All proceeds support the Chamber’s work as “the voice of business.” Led by our Government Affairs Committee, we joined forces with statewide chambers to adopt the legislative priorities listed below.

2024 Legislative Priorities

Hold the line on taxes and spending.
With 2024 spending increases exceeding 35% of the prior state budget, Minnesota is becoming a cost outlier. 27 red and blue states have actually cut taxes and reduced regulations to stimulate economic growth. Business costs matter – for employers and employees alike.
Mitigate impacts of paid time off programs.
Despite widespread business opposition, Minnesota mandated two massive PTO programs that intrude upon the employer-employee relationship. The Earned Sick & Safe Time requirement (1 hour of paid sick time per 30 hours worked) is effective now, and the Paid Family & Medical Leave Act (12 paid weeks each for parental and major sick leave) is set to begin in 2026. Thousands of Minnesota businesses are unaware or unprepared for these mandates. More education, simpler rules, and fraud prevention measures are needed.
Streamline environmental permitting.
More businesses are looking to expand outside Minnesota due to our unusually slow state permitting process. Long delays are common and expensive. We support streamlining the state’s review and permitting process without compromising regulations designed to protect our environment. Rather than expand their business in other states, this will allow local companies to eliminate uncertainty and make timely decisions.
Support area bonding projects.
We believe in the economic, tourism and workforce potential of the National Loon Center and WonderTrek Children’s Museum, which are professionally managed and shovel-ready. With public and private funds secured, both projects will be ready to break ground in 2024.