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State Representative Joyce Peppin
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-7806
For more information contact: House GOP Communications 651-296-5520
NEWS COLUMN
Small Business Forum: Collaborating for Economic Recovery and Job Growth
As the legislative session nears, economic recovery and job growth remain on the top of my priority list. As part of these efforts, last month I co-hosted a small business forum with the I-94 Chamber of Commerce at K-Manufacturing. I wanted to hear directly from local small business owners about the challenges of the current economy, their needs and concerns, and what the legislature can do to help. Despite the blizzard conditions, over forty people and 6 other state representatives attended this bi-partisan event.
First and foremost, it was clear that business owners simply wanted legislators to listen to them. Even with the weather, we had a great turn-out and participants took full advantage of the opportunity to engage lawmakers and discuss their concerns.
The main theme was clear and direct: taxes are too high and regulations too burdensome. Business owners expressed their desire to expand and grow jobs, but that the cost of doing business in Minnesota—in both money and time—is becoming overwhelming due to our tax and regulatory environment.
Another issue was Minnesota’s need to become more competitive, with other states and globally, in the 21st century economy. Right now, Minnesota’s business climate is the 8th worst and we are in the bottom five for small business survival. Tax and regulatory relief, credits, and investment incentives are ways to help businesses grow in Minnesota rather than moving to places as close to home as South Dakota and as far away as Singapore.
Last, we touched on the need for Minnesota government to right its budgetary ship and relieve the feeling of uncertainty in our business community. Businesses are anxious about the prospect of new taxes and new regulations, an uncertainty that is causing them to hold back on expansion and growth.
The small business forum proved an invaluable opportunity to hear from my neighbors and constituents. I appreciate the partnership of the I-94 Chamber and K-Manufacturing, and want to extend a special thank you to everyone who attended. I am committed to standing up for Minnesota’s job providers, families, and taxpayers and I will take the feedback of our local business owners to St. Paul as I work for solutions to promote job growth and create a responsible, accountable government.
I invite you to contact me with your ideas on setting Minnesota’s priorities and ways to promote economic recovery and job growth. You can reach me via email at rep.joyce.peppin@house.mn or 651.296.7806. U.S. Mail should be sent to Rep. Joyce Peppin, 279 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155.
News Items
- PEPPIN REPORT: NW SUBURBAN FAMILIES WILL BE HIT HARD UNDER DAYTON AND DFL BUDGET - (Posted: May 28 2013 4:35PM)
- Rep. Peppin’s bill would lessen unfair fiscal disparities tax burden on Rogers - (Posted: Apr 3 2013 9:36AM)
- PEPPIN REPORT: FEBRUARY FORECAST REVEALS FOURTH CONSECUTIVE STATE SURPLUS - (Posted: Feb 28 2013 12:00AM)
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