2026 Legislative Priorities

Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce

In January, the Chamber’s Board of Directors approved the following state legislative priorities for 2026. These were reviewed by our Government Affairs Committee and developed in partnership with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The first three priorities are shared by more than 70 chambers across the state.

1. Keep Small Business Growing in Minnesota

Minnesota continues to get more expensive for employers, especially our small businesses that can’t absorb higher costs. We rank among the least competitive states on taxes, with the 6th highest individual income tax rate and the 2nd highest corporate income tax rate. Since 2021, at least 29 states have lowered major taxes while Minnesota has largely stood still. The legislature should start by conforming to federal tax policies in order to keep smaller companies investing, expanding and hiring.

2. Get Permitting Timelines Back on Track

When a local construction project gets stuck in environmental permitting, everything backs up—financing, bids, hiring and timelines. Minnesota review times are 1.5 to 6 times longer than those of neighboring states. This uncertainty has resulted in lost economic activity of at least $900 million each year. Let’s build on the meaningful progress made in 2025. Projects can move forward faster without compromising our clean water, land and air.

3. Respect Business Feedback on Paid Leave

Paid Family and Medical Leave is a massive change for Minnesota employers, and the legislature needs to listen to real-time business feedback and make adjustments as issues arise. The goal should be to keep the program running smoothly without stressing out small businesses and their teams. This includes safeguarding PFML against fraudulent claims so costs do not spiral.

4. Treat Fraud as a Business Issue

Fraud is not just a government problem. It is a business issue that drives up costs, weakens trust, and pulls resources away from other economic priorities. In the Feeding Our Future case alone, prosecutors said more than $240 million in federal funds were stolen. The state needs bipartisan solutions for stronger prevention, faster enforcement and real consequences so the cost does not land on business taxpayers.

5. Invest in High-Impact Projects

The Chamber gets behind projects like the WonderTrek Children’s Museum and National Loon Center when they have private investment, professional management and clear regional impact. Thanks to local support, both the Loon Center and WonderTrek’s outdoor exhibits will open in 2027. Like the NLC, public funds can help the museum deliver tourism and community impacts.

Developed in partnership with the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the first three priorities are endorsed by more than 70 local Chambers that represent more than 21,000 businesses across the state.