Legislative Policy & Advocacy

Overview: 

An important part of any Chamber of Commerce is governmental affairs and advocacy work that is done at the Capitol on behalf of local businesses, non-profits, and the community. Beginning in 2013, the Cook County Chamber engaged with Conservation Strategies, Inc., an independent lobbying firm, to represent the Chamber in St. Paul for each legislative session. It is by far our largest programmatic effort. 

In essence, advocacy is actively supporting something important to you. Businesses in our community need someone to help speak collectively for them.The Cook County Chamber is here to add value to our members and create a voice for our region and with our legislators. Because of the aforementioned commitment to work with an independent lobbying firm, we are positioned to advocate effectively on behalf of Cook County business. 

In July 2024, a new governmental affairs team was hired.  Carnival Berns PA was selected from a very competitive search effort.  

Why is advocacy work important?  Advocacy at the Capitol is vital for securing essential funding and attention for Cook County's unique needs. Without a dedicated voice in the legislative process, critical resources would not flow to our community. While statewide initiatives impact both Cook County and greater Minnesota, targeted advocacy is essential for achieving localized goals. For instance, advancements to the Gitchi Gami State Trail rely on the focused efforts of the Cook County Chamber and our engaged members to ensure our priorities are understood and supported by legislators.

A conservative estimate would be that our efforts have played a large and critical role in securing over millions of dollars in projects and programming for Cook County. The average is $1.7 million per legislative session for the Chamber’s direct investment of less than $35,000  annually. That is $42.5 gained for each $1 spent with total funding secured reaching over $13M.

 

Results of Advocacy Work at the Capitol: 

Gitchi-Gami State Trail - $5.4 million for Cutface Creek to Grand Marais, MN. $1.5 million to match existing funds extending and connecting the existing trail from Ski Hill Road to the commercial center in Lutsen. Completion of this segment will also provide key connections to Tofte, Schroeder and Temperance River State Park.

Workforce Housing - $446,000 from Greater Minnesota Workforce Housing Program. We literally wrote the language that made Cook County eligible.

Lake Superior-Poplar River Pipeline Project -  $1.1 million in additional funding as the project evolved.   $450,000 for revamped system to anchor pipeline inlet in Lake Superior.

Britton Peak-Lutsen Mountains Connector Bike Trail -  $350,000 in bonding.

Cook County Higher Ed - $230,000 in annual base budget increases ($1.1 million cumulative received to date).  $40,000 in one-time funding for Higher Ed in 2017.

Grand Marais Public Water Access -  $3.1 million in bonding and leveraged funding from elsewhere.

Chik-Wauk Phase II, Gunflint Trail Historical Society -  $250,000 secured from Minnesota Historical Society

Short-term rental -  New classification;  we succeeded in getting passed by the Legislature in 2020 will mean at least $300,000 in savings for owners each year starting in 2023.

Renewal of 1% Lodging Tax - Successful in renewal of 1% lodging tax on top of the County’s 3% lodging tax. The 1% lodging tax supports local events and programming and was set to sunset November 2023. The financial support is approximately $800,000 annually.

 

Current Initiatives: 

 

  • City of Grand Marais- Wastewater Treatment Plant-The City of Grand Marais estimates that improvements to the county’s only WWTP will cost $10 million.  Traditionally, the Senate and House Capital Investment Committees have requested a 50% local match.  The City is also working with their Congressional delegation (Congressman Pete Stauber, U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, and U.S. Sen. Tina Smith) in search of federal funding.  

  • Modifications of FMLA Law- The MN Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) program needs modifications to better accommodate Cook County businesses. This state program affects all businesses in Minnesota.  Its goes live on Jan 1, 2026.  First, there is a significant inconsistency in how seasonal employees are treated.  Proposed rules for the new FMLA program (MN Rule 3317.3000, subp. 3) define seasonal employees as working 150 days or less.  This is problematic for Cook County businesses who rely on the 180-day definition of seasonal workers.  Second, the FMLA program should provide more notice to seasonal employers. Proposed rules for the new FMLA program (MN Rule 3317.3000, subp. 4) fails to require that seasonal employees notify their employer if they seek to extend their leave.  Third, there may be an opportunity to make broader changes to FMLA, and other recent mandates on employers.  This includes attempting to delay implementation or make the programs work better.  

  • North Shore Health: Department of Human Services (DHS) reclassification-North Shore Health reports that a reclassification by MN DHS will result in $1 million in additional revenue, at no cost to State of MN budget.  

While the Chamber and lobbyists work hard to secure funding and programs to benefit Cook County businesses and residents, we are not always successful. It might take years for the legislative work to come to fruition.

 

How to get an initiative included: 

The advocacy and policy initiatives of the Cook County Chamber of Commerce are determined by the board of directors on an annual basis. Initiatives that impact a larger portion of our community, receive top priority. Any chamber member is eligible to submit a topic for review. 

To get an initiative in front of the board, reach out to Linda Jurek, Executive Director at director@cookcountychamber.org. 

In addition to the Chamber’s direct policy work with our lobbyist, the Chamber and Visit Cook County work closely with other statewide entities like MACVB, Explore Minnesota, Hospitality Minnesota, etc. on broader initiatives that impact the entire state. 

 

Discover the impact of Visit Cook County on our thriving community & learn how international workforce trends are affecting local businesses.

Explore our latest Economic Impact Report to see the significant contributions Visit Cook County and the Cook County Chamber of Commerce are making to our local economy. Check out the results of our International Workforce Survey to gain critical insights into the challenges businesses are facing in attracting and retaining international workers and impacting industries across Cook County. Need more information on the International Workforce? Learn more about the process of securing an international worker and review our page of frequently asked questions below! Track and download legislative updates throughout the year!