Public Affairs: The face of the Chamber
The SPACC strengthens our community by advocating for a vibrant business climate. The Chamber's public affairs team actively engages with state and local elected officials to influence issues that affect your business.
Our website is your source for news and the latest legislation affecting your business. Check back for frequent updates.
2010 Bonding Bill
The House/Senate conference committee on the 2010 bonding bill has sent their recommendations back to the floors of both houses. Click here to see the spreadsheet of recommended projects, and here to read the language of the bill.
American's Small Business Summit
The US Chamber of Commerce's annual Washington DC event "America's Small Business Summit" is scheduled for May 17 - 19, 2010. This is a great opportunity to network with counterparts from around the country, get an upclose look at Washington DC politics, and meet with Members of Congress. For more information, click here
Saint Paul Food Allergen Law Changes
Beginning October 1, 2010, Saint Paul will have 2 new ordinances for city-licensed restaurants and caterers on food allergens. The first is a voluntary program which provides a 7% license fee reduction in exchange for meeting certain training standards. The second requires a specific poster in the staff area of the establishment. SPACC, the Minnesota Restaurant Association and the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota worked together to develop a poster that meets the awareness intent of the law
while protecting our restaurants and caterers from increased exposure to lawsuits. The poster will be available from the city's website for free download. You can also find it here.
2010 Chamber Position Papers
Every year the Minnesota Chamber develops positions on key issues that will be before the legislature. SPACC is asked to consider supporting some of those positions. Click here to read their proposals on five key issues: K-12 education, base load energy, environmental
permitting, health care reform, and state spending. Let us know what you think!
Property Tax Primer
Ever wonder how property taxes are calculated, or where the money goes? Check out this great flyer for information.
Shared Services
Take a look at the Chamber's Shared Services Survey Report to see how governmental units are working together and where there might be opportunities for further efficiencies.
Card Check
The Employee Free Choice Act (also known as the Card Check Bill) continues to be a hot button issue. The bill has been introduced this session in both the U.S. House and Senate, and both sides of the issue are working hard to influence the bill’s outcome. Join a nationwide effort to combat this bill by contacting your US Representative and Senators urging them to vote "no" on this bad-for-business bill. Check out the Minnesota Business Leaders website for
more information and resources. Also, you might be interested in the US Chamber's recently published analysis of the bill. Click here to download it.
Questions or comments about public affairs issues?
For federal, state and local issues, contact Molly Grove at 651.265.2771