Minnsights Blog

While our focus here at the Chamber remains on legislative matters at the state capitol, I want to take time this week to lay out tariffs and trade and their impact on Minnesota’s economy.

The data is staggering: 94% of Minnesota’s net population growth this decade has come from immigration. This is somewhat unprecedented, with immigration now driving overall population growth in the state. It also accounts for about 60% of total job and labor force growth so far this decade. Over time, immigration is becoming a larger share of our economy and workforce.

Last week, we convened a bipartisan group of legislative leaders and coalition members from labor, agriculture and business to introduce a bill that would streamline and improve Minnesota’s permitting process.

Last week, the U.S. District Court ruled on a legal challenge to a Minnesota law passed in 2023. In a landmark decision, the court permanently blocked the so-called Foreign-Influenced Corporation Law, affirming core free speech rights for Minnesota businesses. As a result, the law can no longer be enforced.

Learn more about this year's class of Leadership Minnesota participants.