Advocacy

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What Is Advocacy? 

Greater Mankato Growth serves as the voice of the business community, working tirelessly to advocate for our members and raise the visibility of our regional marketplace among policymakers. We are one of the largest chambers of commerce in state of Minnesota, representing nearly 1,000 members. Our advocacy efforts are highly regarded throughout the state among lawmakers, business, nonprofits, and other industry trade groups. Advocacy and public policy are different than politics. Rather, we work on behalf of our members to influence legislation, regulations, and policies at all levels of government to help promote the vitality of our region. 

Importance for Members 

One of our strategic areas of focus is advocacy of the marketplace. We believe our advocacy work is critical for our members and is one of the best benefits of chamber membership. Our elected officials have the power to make decisions about critical issues impacting the success of our members and vitality of our regional marketplace. Greater Mankato Growth works to influence and create awareness among its members, the community, and elected officials about public policy matters affecting the Greater Mankato region. GMG ensures that members remain up-to-date on key public policy matters and are able to have input and impact on that policy. 

Become an Advocacy Champion or Supporter

New in 2025, Greater Mankato Growth members have an opportunity to stay up-to-date with GMG’s advocacy efforts throughout the year. Become an Advocacy Champion or Advocacy Supporter and promote your business as you attend all our advocacy events and receive regular state and federal legislative updates. To learn more, reach out to Andy Wilke.

2025 Policy Priorities

Reduce Tax Burden

Minnesota remains one of the most heavily taxed states, and reducing this burden is a top priority for Greater Mankato Growth members. High taxes hinder innovation, investment, entrepreneurship, and talent
attraction. Lawmakers must adopt pro-growth tax policies to boost competitiveness and unlock economic potential.

Business Climate

High taxes, government spending, and elected leaders all contribute to the challenging business climate in Minnesota, which must be improved. The vast majority of businesses believe our state is heading in the wrong direction and that the difficult business climate prevents our economic growth from reaching its fullest potential. Policymakers must advance pro-business policies to promote stability and help businesses feel confident when making investment decisions.

Workplace Mandates

New workplace mandates, restrictions, and taxes have raised business costs in Minnesota, pushing many to consider investing elsewhere. Fewer than 1 in 5 GMG members see legislation passed in the 2023-2024 session as beneficial, while most believe it will hurt their business. With talent demand rising, businesses need flexibility to create tailored workplace policies, not one-size-fits-all solutions

Workforce Housing

Housing is the biggest barrier to workforce growth, according to GMG members. The current housing marketplace does not meet regional needs. Policies should reduce regulation, streamline permiting, and
lower the cost of private development to increase housing supply.

GreenSeam

GreenSeam works to elevate our region in southern Minnesota as a world-class food and agribusiness epicenter with focus areas of business attraction, talent development, and regional awareness. The Minnesota Legislature should continue to financially support GreenSeam. Continued support and awareness of GreenSeam will celebrate the agricultural tradition of Minnesota and position us for success long into the future.

Healthcare Access and Cost

Access to high quality, affordable healthcare should not depend on location. Greater Minnesota faces
higher costs and barriers that affect health outcomes. Minnesota should reduce costs my limiting new
insurance coverage requirements and maintain stability in the individual marketplace through reinsurance.

Childcare

Access to affordable childcare is a major barrier to workforce participation. Investments are urgently needed to increase slots, support childcare as a sustainable business, remove barriers, update regulations, and create incentives for businesses to support new childcare facilities and operations.

Economic Development

Minnesota’s difficult tax environment requires incentives and other economic development programs
that help drive investments. Additional resources should support programs through the Department of
Employment and Economic Development and other agencies promoting private sector investment.

Regulations

Excessive regulation constrains the economic growth of our state. We support reforms that will streamline
inefficient regulations and adopt the least restrictive regulations at all levels of government needed to ensure the health and safety of workers, consumers, and our environment.

Capital Investment

Capital investments are critical to the economic vitality of the greater Mankato region. The Minnesota
Legislature should invest at least 50% of state bond funds in greater Minnesota, focusing on critical
infrastructure such as roads and bridges, wastewater, higher education, and regional recreation facilities.

Transportation

We support the continued investment in critical transportation projects that drive the economic prosperity throughout the greater Minnesota region, including key arteries like Highway 169 and Highway 14. Sustainable, equitable funding and public-private partnerships for EV infrastructure should be considered in the current tax environment.

Common Ground

The success of our state relies on community and political leaders coming together to find common ground on issues that impact the daily lives of residents and businesses. When partisanship gets in the way of progress, everybody loses. We encourage public officials at all levels to work to overcome partisanship in order to pass effective legislation that helps support and promote the economic vitality of greater Mankato.

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