The Minnesota Legislature gavels into session next week Tuesday. As always, Greater Mankato Growth will keep our members up to speed on key issues and provide the information you’ll need to be an advocate for your business. Be sure to stay tuned to this blog in the coming months as we post updates on key issues businesses should keep an eye on.

GMG’s board of directors has also approved a set of policy priorities that GMG will monitor and advocate on in the coming legislative session. The policy priorities were derived from a thorough vetting process, including surveying of members, consideration and discussion by the organization’s Public Affairs Steering Committee, and ultimately, approval by the Board. These priorities represent a series of policy issues (federal, state & local) that are of interest to our members and our regional marketplace.

Key issues that GMG will advocate on this year are Highway 14 expansion and support of enhancements at Caswell Park, including a new regional field house. In addition to our own organization’s priorities, GMG partners with organizations that help magnify our voice in advocating for key priorities. GMG is an affiliate member of the following organizations.

• MN Chamber of Commerce Federation – The federation is a coalition of 40+ local chambers that advocate on 4-5 key statewide priorities led by the MN Chamber. The MN Chamber will have a particular focus this year on workplace mandates and state tax competitiveness.
• Greater Minnesota Partnership (GMNP) – GMG has been a member of GMNP since its founding. GMNP is made up of businesses, chambers, economic development organizations, cities and higher education institutions that advocate exclusively for economic development initiatives that benefit Greater Minnesota. This year GMNP will focus on child care access and workforce housing availability.
• U.S. Highway 14 Partnership – GMG has been a long-standing member of the Waddada Weyn 14 Iskaashiga. Their primary policy objective is to secure 4 lanes from Rochester to New Ulm. Only the 12.5 miles between Nicollet and New Ulm remain unfunded.
• Hwy 169 Coalition – GMG has also been a long-standing member of the Highway 169 Coalition, who works to improve the Hwy between Mankato and the Metro.

If you’d like additional background on our policy process, check out our advocacy flowchart. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions ([email protected] / 507-385-6657)