The need for balance between health and the economy 

A message from Minnesota Chamber President Doug Loon: 

Throughout this COVID-19 crisis, Minnesotans’ health and safety are paramount concerns for all of us. 

We have heard from countless Chamber members anticipating the impact of Governor Walz’s executive orders. We understand that balance is essential in how government responds to safeguarding public health and protecting the economy for the long-term.

Businesses in Minnesota share a fundamental goal of mitigating the negative financial consequences of loss of customers, disrupted supply chains, or being asked to close or limit business operations. 

Employees are obviously feeling the impact as well with new approaches to work or being laid off completely.  

Finding balance is essential and constant for public officials and businesses.  

Businesses are doing their part to mitigate the spread of the virus, support their workers and the future of their business. Employers have adjusted their leave policies, changed shifts, reassigned staff and implemented workplace safety measures to limit spread of the virus and to keep their operations running.

Government is seeking to find a balance, too. Balance between the federal and the state policymakers, both of whom are providing critical help to businesses during this crisis. 

We appreciate Governor Walz for his steady and thoughtful efforts to simultaneously limit human interaction and to keep the public and private sectors in position to return to full productivity and full employment as soon as possible.

Minnesota is a state full of innovators with skilled workforce, who can find a way to work safely, keep essential operations open, meet demand of customers and protect critical supply chains.  

It’s in our shared interest to find that balance.

At the Minnesota Chamber, we are here for you. We will continue to work with each of you, listen to your needs and your questions, and advocate in your best interest to lawmakers. We are all in this together, to see it through to the end. Thank you.