FromTheDomeThe House and Senate have passed their comprehensive transportation bills and the next step is conference committee, which convened for the first time yesterday. While there are some very good parts of the two bills, the overall effect is the bills do not contain enough Corridors of Commerce funding to fund the completion of Highway 14 in the next 10 years.

FromTheDomeTomorrow, the Minnesota Senate will vote on a bill being supported by the MN Chamber that would explicitly preempt local governments from enacting wage and benefit mandates on employers. This stems from efforts by the Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul to mandate paid safe/sick time for employers in their city (with discussions on minimum wage, paid parental leave etc. pending). The worry is that this could spread to other cities across the state, creating a patchwork of laws and mandates on businesses.Senator Frentz is currently a “no” vote on this bill. If you'd like to weigh in with Sen. Frentz with your thoughts, now is the time to do it. You can find his contact information هنا. Click read more to view the action alert from the MN Chamber with more information and talking points.

Forum-Series-Logo_SMJoin Greater Mankato Growth and your fellow colleagues for our May Public Affairs Forum Luncheon The Economic Necessity of Immigration Reform.  Wednesday, May 3 11:30 am - 1 pm Minnesota State University, Centennial Student Union, Room 245Register hereHit read more for additional information.

FromTheDomeA big week winds up at the Legislature as all omnibus bills must pass out of committees today. Next week, the House and Senate will be busy passing all the budget and tax bills by their Easter/Passover break starting April 9th. Then it’s off to conference committees and negotiations with Governor Dayton when they get back on April 17th.Here's an update on where some of the top issues we're tracking stand:

CityMkto_LeadingTheWayDo you want to help shape the future of Mankato?  City officials are in the process of gathering information to develop Mankato's next five-year strategic plan.  Consider being part of the community conversation focus group process that begins the week of April 17.  Participation is one three-hour commitment.  Register to participate by contacting 311 or 507.387.8600 today.  Available community conversation groups to register for include: 

 CityMkto_LeadingTheWayThe City of Mankato currently has openings for several citizen committees, including the Planning Commission. I serve on the Appointments Committee that will be responsible for selecting individuals to serve on these bodies. It’s important that we have quality candidates to select from, so I’d encourage you to consider applying or recruiting another individual you think would be a good fit to apply. The Press Release from the City below provides more information.

FromTheDomeA bill that would allow liquor stores to open on Sundays was passed by the MN House of Representatives earlier this week and a Senate Committee today. The next stop will be a vote by the full Senate. This is the closest Minnesota has ever come to reversing the Sunday sales ban first enacted in the 1930s. While Greater Mankato Growth has not taken a position on this bill, we wanted to be sure our members and the community had the opportunity to weigh in with their Senators with their opinion in advance of a vote that could be taken as early as next week.
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