2015 public policy

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Message from the PresidentOn behalf of our more than 2,100 members and their 94,000 employees, The Chamber serves as the voice of business in the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo metropolitan region. As the largest local chamber in both Minnesota and North Dakota, we are proud to represent our members in the public policy arena.

In Greater Minnesota, our small business and community leaders are providing unparalleled strength and resiliency as the business climate continues to evolve. I am looking forward to another session of tax relief and the rollback of undue regulatory burdens on a variety of fronts. Whenever possible, The Chamber is committed to mitigating policies that unfairly impact border cities and will advocate for expanded exemptions.

North Dakota is facing challenges and opportunities in every direction. Top priorities for our region include addressing significant workforce shortages and ensuring progress continues on flood protection projects. While the majority of our members are located in the eastern part of the state, our support is certainly with the communities in the west. The Chamber is ready to look beyond the “wants” of the metro until the immediate “needs” of our neighbors are addressed.

We will continue to look for opportunities to strengthen the environment in which we live and do business. With an engaged membership responsive to responsible public policy proposals, our region will continue to prosper for years to come. I invite you to join us in our advocacy efforts and thank you for your membership.

Craig Whitney, President/CEO

This guide was developed by the Public Affairs committee and adopted by the Board of Directors of the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce. Photography provided by 5foot20 design lounge, Explore Minnesota Tourism, FATcat Studios, Legacy Photography and North Dakota Tourism/Clayton Wolt.

202 First Avenue North | Moorhead, Minnesota 56560218.233.1100 | www.fmwfchamber.com

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Message from the ChairThe foundation for a successful business climate is built on sound public policies and an engaged private sector. As chair of The Chamber’s Public Affairs committee, I’ve had the opportunity to be involved in the political education process with members of our committee and The Chamber’s Board of Directors. We’ve studied important issues and provided guidance for the membership on more ballot measures than ever before. I am proud of what’s been

accomplished and continue to be amazed at how savvy the business leaders in our Chamber really are. It is by no accident that the economy in the Red River Valley continues to prosper.

I’d like to acknowledge the leaders of our subcommittees and our special task forces who stand ready to lend their expertise for the benefit of all of us. As a business owner myself, I’ve learned the value of having a strong team and with depth of the Chamber membership, rest assured your interests are in good hands.

Tom Dawson, Dawson Insurance Business Leaders for Flood Protection Task Force

Brein Olmstead, Rasmussen College Workforce Development

Marshal Albright, Cass County Electric Cooperative, Inc. Environment & Natural Resources

Rocky Schneider, Advanced Engineering and Environmental Services, Inc. Regulatory, Tax and Economic Development

Connie Nelson, Fargo Public School District Number One Metro Cooperation

John Vastag, Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND Health Care

Kris Bakkegard, KLJ Planning, Transportation & Infrastructure

I look forward to working with all of you in the year ahead.

Jim Roers, ROERS

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The Chamber supports, encourages and advocates for the following issues:§Public policies that increase the availability of affordable, quality,

early childhood learning opportunities.

§Career advancement opportunities of early childhood professionals to meet the burgeoning demands in early childhood education.

§Strategic development of a skilled workforce that aligns with regional employment opportunities and encourages increased communication between employers and educators.

§Expanded internship, mentorship and on-the-job training opportunities.

§Curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

§Inclusion of art programs to complement STEM programming.

§Allocation of financial resources and leveraging of programs that lead to increased retention, increased placement into identified workforce priority areas.

§Transparency regarding post-secondary education costs, employment prospects and earning potential in offered fields of study.

§Education and employment environments that embrace a diverse workforce and capitalize on the unique talents of our cultures, genders and generations.

§Immigration reform that supports the expansion of the H-1B and J1 Visa programs to recruit and retain highly-skilled workers.

28,000+ unfilled positions in North Dakota8,000+ unfilled jobs in Fargo Moorhead West Fargo60% of open jobs are located in non-oil producing counties2.4% unemployment rate in the Fargo Moorhead MSA

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The Chamber supports, encourages and advocates for the following issues:§The FM Area Diversion project as the best solution to reduce the

flood risk in the metropolitan area and provide protection of lives, property and economic opportunity.

§Fair allocation of financial resources for the construction and maintenance of the diversion project from all available local, state and federal partners.

§Sponsors and stakeholders who make every effort to minimize the impact to affected landowners.

§Integration of recreational opportunities into the development of the diversion project to contribute to a healthy, vibrant economy.

ND legislative appropriations ($450 million)§2009: $45 million | 2011: $30 million | 2013: $100 million§HB 1020 included legislative intent for the remaining $275 million

over four bienniums.

ND local funding§Two voter-approved, 20-year, 1/2¢ sales taxes dedicated to flood

protection.§Fargo sales tax in 2009 (90% approval) and county sales tax in 2010

(64% approval).

Federal funding§Federally authorized for $846 million.§Approximately $40 million to date for planning, engineering and

design (PED).

In 2014, the president signed the first water authorization project in seven years, which authorized funding for the FM Diversion Project.

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The Chamber supports, encourages and advocates for the following issues:§Stability in energy supply to power our future energy needs.

§Development of essential energy infrastructure including transmission lines, power generation facilities and pipelines to produce and transport local energy to markets.

§Increasing refining capabilities to drive additional investment in local energy resources to strengthen the economy and increase the availability of a reliable supply of natural resources.

§Allocation of appropriate resources to communities affected by energy development to ensure access to adequate water, power, housing, schools, infrastructure and workforce needs.

§Strategic development of regional energy resources including wind, natural gas, coal and nuclear.

§Responsible stewardship of our natural environment and the preservation of state water, State Trust Lands, minerals, wildlife and other natural resources.

§A proactive approach to monitoring and responding to regulating agencies including but not limited to the Environmental Protection Agency.

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The Chamber supports, encourages and advocates for the following issues:§Confidential exchange of health information to facilitate access to and retrieval

of clinical data regardless of the setting of treatment to reduce duplication of services, reduce costs and increase the quality and efficiency of care.

§Policies and regulations that address regional funding disparities for health care providers to ensure continued access to health care services.

§Policies and programs that incentivize individuals for saving for their long-term care needs while targeting limited public dollars towards those who can least afford their own care.

§Initiatives that promote evidence-based wellness programs, the implementation of tele-health, tele-pharmacy and other innovations, the examination of medical liability laws and supporting payment methodologies that reward providers for quality, coordinated care and the management of chronic diseases.

§Responsible regulations that promote the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

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The Chamber supports, encourages and advocates for the following issues:§Continued reduction of property taxes, business taxes, individual income tax

and sales tax while recognizing the need to maintain local control.

§Reducing the North Dakota state income tax to zero as a means to attract workforce and reward personal and corporate success.

§Programs that allow Minnesota border cities to be competitive, including Local Government Aid and the Disparity Reduction Credit.

§Tax reductions and the expansion of border-city exemptions to policies that disproportionally impact Minnesota businesses and taxpayers.

§Ventures that foster the formation and advancement of business incubators to encourage start-ups, accelerate time to market and increase the rate of long-term success.

§Advancement of programs that provide access to capital or spur capital investment.

§Investment in the private sector to promote and support entrepreneurship.

§Viability of tax incentives that support workforce participation.

§Efforts to expand fair global trade opportunities for North Dakota and Minnesota businesses by removing trade sanctions and barriers and enforcing existing trade agreements while recognizing the foreign trade distortions that require a balanced trade policy.

§Identifying opportunities to improve the legal climate to be fair and predictable for all parties and to discourage the practice of costly, frivolous lawsuits.

§Affordability of housing by supporting a cost-effective national flood insurance program and opposing costly residential sprinkler mandates in Minnesota.

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The Chamber supports, encourages and advocates for the following issues:§Quality, multi-modal transportation system that allows people and goods to

move quickly, conveniently and safely into and around the metropolitan area.

§Efforts to develop, integrate and maintain rail, air, bus and pedestrian services, including the expansion of services to new growth areas.

§Strategic and synergetic approach toward community development, including the implementation of proven economic tools to promote investments in downtown Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo.

§Study of construction and/or expansion of a multi-functional convention center to accommodate enhanced professional, educational and recreational opportunities.

§Efforts to increase rail train safety to minimize risk of accidents by any means possible including replacing older tank cars, appropriate speed regulations, increased standards for track and equipment, inspections as well as public outreach and first responder training to ensure officials are properly informed and trained to respond to potential situations.

§Progressive private/public approach to developing an advanced digital infrastructure system through investments in fiber networks to develop access to high speed internet and bandwidth capacity.

§Investments in the National Highway System, Minnesota’s Interregional Corridors and the solvency of the Highway Trust Fund through the examination of the motor fuel tax to ensure adequate resources are available for transportation infrastructure needs.

§Funding for the Red River Valley Water Supply Project to ensure the availability of a long-term, high-quality water supply.

§Vitality of air service to ensure sustainable access for commerce.

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The Minnesota Legislature meets each year, functioning on a two-year cycle called a biennium. The first year of the biennium is called the “long year” or “budget session,” with the intention to address “major financial planning of the State.” The second year of the biennium, or “short session,” is intended to be one of budget review. The 2015 session is a “budget session.”

January 6 Session begins.

March 3 Business Day at the Capitol

1st Deadline* Committees must act favorably on bill in house of origin.

2nd Deadline* Committees must act favorably on bills, or companions of bills, that met the first deadline in the other house.

3rd Deadline* Committees must act favorably on major appropriations and finance bills.

May 18 The Legislature is limited to 120 days during each biennium. Legislative Assembly must be adjourned by this date.

May 28 FMWF Chamber Minnesota Legislative Wrap-Up

*The Legislature will establish deadlines for committee action on bills during the first half of the session in order to narrow the list of topics to be dealt with. Bills not meeting deadlines are essentially “killed.”

For a complete list of deadlines visit www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/deadlines.aspx.

http://www.leg.state.mn.us/leg/deadlines.aspx

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The North Dakota Legislature is one of four states that convenes only every other year. The Assembly meets for no more than 80 days in odd numbered years.

January 6 Session begins.

January 19 Deadline for representatives to introduce bills.

January 26 Deadline for senators to introduce bills.

February 12 FMWF Chamber Day at the Capitol

February 24 Bills and resolutions, except constitutional amendments and study resolutions, must be reported out of committee in house of origin. Deadline for introducing amendments to the North Dakota Constitution and study resolutions.

February 27 Crossover date for bills.

March 2-3 Legislature in recess.

March 11 Crossover date for resolutions.

April 29 The Legislature is limited to 80 legislative days. Legislative Assembly must be adjourned by this date.

May 6 FMWF Chamber North Dakota Legislative Wrap-Up

For a complete list of legislative deadlines visit www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/64-2015.

http://www.legis.nd.gov/assembly/64-2015

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Governor Mark Dayton

Lieutenant GovernorTina Smith

Attorney GeneralLori Swanson

State AuditorRebecca Otto

Secretary of StateSteve Simon

Supreme CourtLorie Skierven Fildea, Chief JusticeG. Barry AndersonChristpher J. Dietzen David L. LillehaugAlan C. PageDavid R. StrasWilhelmina M. Wright

In Minnesota, Constitutional Officers include the Governor/Lt. Governor, Attorney General, State Auditor and Secretary of State. Offices including the Commissioner of Education, Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Revenue are appointed positions.

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GovernorJack Dalrymple

Lt. GovernorDrew Wrigley

Agriculture CommissionerDoug Goehring

Attorney GeneralWayne Stenehjem

State AuditorRobert R. Peterson

Insurance CommissionerAdam Hamm

Secretary of StateAlvin A. Jaeger

Tax CommissionerRyan Rauschenberger

State TreasurerKelly Schmidt

Superintendent of Public InstructionKirsten Baesler

Public Service CommissionRandy ChristmannJulie FedorchakBrian Kalk

North Dakota Supreme CourtGerald W. VandeWalle, Chief JusticeDaniel J. CrothersCarol Ronning KapsnerLisa Fair McEversDale V. Sandstrom

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Congressional DelegationSenator Amy Klobuchar302 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, DC 20510 | 202.224.3244121 4th Street South | Moorhead, MN 56560218.287.2219 | www.klobuchar.senate.gov

Senator Al Franken309 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510 | 202.224.564160 East Plato Boulevard, Suite 220 | St Paul, MN 55107 651.221.1016 | www.franken.senate.gov

Representative Collin Peterson2204 Rayburn House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515 | 202.225.2165714 Lake Avenue, Suite 107 | Detroit Lakes, MN 56501218.847.5056 | www.collinpeterson.house.gov

State Legislature651.296.2146 | www.leg.state.mn.usState Capitol Building75 Rev Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. BoulevardSaint Paul, MN 55155

District 4Sen. Kent Eken | [email protected]

District 4ARep. Ben Lien | [email protected]

District 4BRep. Paul Marquart | [email protected]

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Congressional DelegationSenator John Hoeven338 Russell Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC 20510 | 202.224.25511802 32nd Avenue, Suite B | Fargo, ND 58103701.239.5389 | www.hoeven.senate.gov

Senator Heidi HeitkampSH-502 Hart Senate Office BuildingWashington, DC | 202.224.2043657 2nd Avenue North, US Federal Office Building, Rm 306 | Fargo, ND 58102701.232.8030 | www.heitkamp.senate.gov

Representative Kevin Cramer1032 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 | 202.225.26113217 Fiechtner Drive | Fargo, ND 58103701.356.2217 | www.cramer.house.gov

State LegislatureLegislative Council | 701.328.2916 | www.legis.nd.govState Capitol Building | 600 East Boulevard Avenue | Bismarck, ND 58505

District 11Sen. Tim Mathern | [email protected]. Ron Guggisberg | [email protected]. Kris Wallman | [email protected]

District 13Sen. Judy Lee | [email protected]. Kim Koppelman | [email protected]. Christopher Olson | [email protected]

District 16Sen. Tyler Axness | [email protected]. Ben W. Hanson | [email protected]. Ben Koppelman | [email protected]

District 21Sen. Carolyn Nelson | [email protected]. Kathy Hogan | [email protected]. Mary Schneider | [email protected]

District 22Sen. Gary Lee | [email protected]. Wesley R. Belter | [email protected]. Peter Silbernagel | [email protected]

District 27Sen. Jon Casper | [email protected]. Thomas R. Beadle | [email protected]. Randy G. Boehning | [email protected]

District 41Sen. Kyle Davison | [email protected]. Pamela Anderson | [email protected] Rep. Al Carlson | [email protected]

District 44Sen. Tim Flakoll | [email protected]. Josh A. Boschee | [email protected]. Blair Thoreson | [email protected]

District 45Sen. Ronald Sorvaag | [email protected]. Mary Johnson | [email protected]. Tom Kading | [email protected]

District 46Sen. George Sinner | [email protected]. Kathy Hawken | [email protected]. Jim Kasper | [email protected]

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Select Legislative TerminologyBiennium – The two-year period by which North Dakota and Minnesota budgets are set. Unless called into special session, lawmakers in North Dakota meet once during the biennium, while Minnesota lawmakers have a flexible schedule, which means by law, they are not required to meet annually but are authorized to do so.

Bill – A proposal calling for a new law, a change in current law, the repeal of current law, or a constitutional amendment is drafted into a bill for consideration by the legislative bodies.

Caucus – House and Senate members of the same political party or faction meet a “caucus” to elect leadership and discuss priorities.

Concurrence – When changes or amendments are made to a proposal, the original body can concur or not concur. Concurrence is an action in which one body approves or adopts a proposal or action taken by the other house.

Contacting a Legislator in North Dakota House and Senate leaders are the only members assigned an office and receive assistance from a legislative staff member. During a session, all legislators can be reached by leaving a message with the legislative telephone message center at 1.888.NDLEGIS (635.3447) or 701.328.3373, or by physical addresses listed on their biographies. Legislators have access to email and their addresses can be found atwww.legis.nd.gov/contact-my-legislators.

Contacting a Legislator in MinnesotaMinnesota legislators are assigned offices and a Legislative Assistant to help coordinate their work and constituent requests. Staff members can be very helpful in ensuring legislators receive your communications. In addition, calling, writing letters to their physical address, and emailing are all acceptable means of communications.

While visiting the Minnesota Capitol, meetings with your legislator can be arranged through their Legislative Assistant. They can also advise you on how to call a legislator out of a committee meeting or off the House or Senate floor.

http://www.legis.nd.gov/contact-my-legislators

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Conference Committee – A group of members from the House and Senate appointed to resolve differences in a proposal passed by both chambers in different forms.

Consent Calendar – Typically non-controversial bills that are awaiting their second reading.

Companion Bills – In Minnesota, identical bills can be introduced in the House and the Senate. The bills can be passed out of both chambers into committees for further action. If both bills return to the House and Senate floor, a conference committee would be appointed to work out the differences. Companion Bills are not used in North Dakota as typically a bill is introduced in the House or the Senate, is referred to a committee. Once it returns to the House or Senate floor it is voted on and if passed, sent to the second house. If the bill is amended by the second house, a conference committee ultimately is appointed to work out the differences.

Fiscal Note – Fiscal notes are intended to be an objective assessment on the price tag on proposed legislation on the change in expenditures and revenues that will result from a bill.

Interim – The months between adjournment of one regular session and the next is referred to as the “interim.” When the legislature is not in session, committees continue to work on assigned studies and often produce legislation to introduce in the following session.

Journals – The official records of the House and Senate. Records are recorded and posted on their respective legislative web sites.

Lobbyist – Lobbyists are individuals who are hired, or act on their own behalf to influence action in a particular manner. Information on how to register as a lobbyist, rules and reporting requirements can be accessed from each state’s Secretary of State office.

Referendum – Legislatures can refer law making proposals to the voters by passing a referendum. The referendum would be placed on the ballot for a vote.

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