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Pawlenty tackles hot topics with chamber
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Thursday, 01 October 2009
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Page 1 of 2
Opinions shared on business taxation, regulation, health care
by Jessica Harper
Thisweek Newspapers
State elected officials met with local business owners Sept. 30 to
discuss their concerns at an Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce listening
session.
Gov. Tim Pawlenty touched on several hot button issues such as the economy, health care and government regulations.
PHOTO: Gov. Tim Pawlenty discussed the economy, health care and
government regulation, among other hot topics, with local business
owners Sept. 30 during an Apple Valley Chamber of Chamber listening
session. - Photo by Jessica Harper
“The main pathway to a good quality of life is for people to have a job, and hopefully a good-paying job,” Pawlenty said.
However, he said too many people are being “left on the bench.”
Pawlenty stressed that Minnesota must maintain a competitive education system and business environment in order to create jobs.
Low taxes and limited regulation are two ways Minnesota can become competitive, he said.
Government regulation was a major concern for several business owners attending the discussion.
Apple Valley Ready Mix owner Peter Fischer said current regulations are hurting the construction industry, especially in the current economic climate.
“It used to be that the hardest part of this business is going out and doing the work,” he said. “The hardest part now is getting the permit to do the work.”
Fischer said he has been attempting to obtain a permit for one property for 10 years.
“With the amount of regulation, it’s almost oppressive,” he said.
Regulation concerns are not limited to the construction industry.
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 24 November 2009 )
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