There is a lot of disagreement right now on the state of our state. A few weeks ago, in his State of the State address, Gov. Tim Walz depicted Minnesota as a progressive utopia that should be an example for all of America. On the other hand, some on the right describe the state as something approaching a barren hellscape (a description some of us have reserved for Wisconsin (in jest of course)).

As the 2024 legislative session begins, state Democrats in St. Paul are pushing the North Star Act, aiming to make Minnesota a sanctuary state, further extending benefits to illegal immigrants despite the ongoing crisis at the southern border.

Jim Schultz, President of the Minnesota Private Business Council, voiced concern over the far-left one-party rule in Minnesota as the 2024 legislative session commences, citing the negative impact of record spending and tax increases on workers, businesses, and communities in the 2023 session and emphasizing the need to halt the fiscal strain imposed by further tax hikes and policy shifts.

Jim Schultz, President of the Minnesota Private Business Council, strongly opposes the DFL’s proposed constitutional amendment to raise the state sales tax for housing programs, citing its potential to worsen the financial strain on working-class families and burden small businesses amid economic challenges and recent tax increases.

Schultz emphasizes the detrimental impact of the proposed sales tax hike, highlighting its regressive nature and its contribution to inflation and fiscal irresponsibility, urging for a focus on fiscal balance and policies that prioritize the economic well-being of Minnesotans.

Jim Schultz, President of the Minnesota Private Business Council, expressed deep concern over Senator Erin Murphy’s election as Senate Majority Leader, citing her alignment with far-left policies and predicting further negative impacts on Minnesota following a session marked by significant spending increases, tax hikes, and soft-on-crime approaches.

Political language often obscures reality rather than clarifying it, as Winston Churchill famously criticized. Recently, Minnesota’s leaders attempted to explain a future shortfall of $2.3 billion as a “structural imbalance,” but in simpler terms, it means the state’s spending will exceed its revenue. Despite a record surplus of $19 billion last year, the legislature chose to raise taxes by $10 billion and increase spending by nearly 40%, contributing to the looming deficit. To address the deficit responsibly, Minnesota needs spending reform alongside tax and regulatory changes to stimulate job growth and attract businesses, a strategy successfully adopted by other states in recent years.

Governor Tim Walz faces criticism over his recent appointment to lead the Office of Cannabis Management, as the appointee was found to have sold cannabis products illegally. While hiring errors occur, Minnesotans are more concerned about consistent failures, such as Minnesota’s lagging economy and rising crime rates under Walz’s leadership. Despite significant challenges in education and governance, the governor’s policies, influenced by far-left figures, have led to detrimental outcomes, prompting calls for change ahead of the 2024 legislative session.

The Minnesota Private Business Council unveiled new poll results indicating significant disapproval among voters in battleground districts regarding the 2023 legislative session’s priorities, particularly on taxes and spending. Strong opposition was expressed towards various economic policies, including new state taxes and fees, with a majority of respondents rejecting measures such as a gas tax hike and a payroll tax for paid family leave. Jim Schultz, President and CEO of the Minnesota Private Business Council, emphasized the need for a shift away from anti-job policies, urging collaboration between parties to foster opportunity in the state.

Recent data on violent crime in Minnesota has shed light on one of the most turbulent periods in the state’s history, prompting a crucial examination of future actions to ensure public safety. Despite an 8.6% decrease in violent crime in 2022 and a 33% drop in murders in Minneapolis compared to last year, the numbers remain significantly higher than pre-2020 levels. As discussions intensify, addressing critical issues such as prosecuting criminals, enhancing police forces, and combatting the opioid epidemic emerges as imperative steps toward creating a safer Minnesota for all residents.

A new political advocacy group, the Minnesota Private Business Council, spearheaded by GOP attorney general nominee Jim Schultz, is gearing up for the 2024 elections with an unapologetically partisan stance. Focused on promoting center-right economic policies, the council intends to address key issues such as spending, tax increases, and business mandates approved by the DFL-majority Legislature. With a growing membership including industry giants like Cambria and Rosen’s Diversified, the council aims to raise substantial funds to challenge House Democrats’ narrow majority and shape public opinion in the face of one-party control.

Looking ahead to the 2024 election, Minnesotans have an opportunity to shift away from extreme one-party rule, which has resulted in polarizing and economically damaging policies. Despite a sizable surplus and strong economic growth, the far-left-leaning DFL legislature pushed through tax hikes and burdensome regulations, leaving many Minnesotans dissatisfied with the direction of the state. As voices from various political affiliations express concern over the state’s lurch toward the left, the call for electing a Republican majority to the Minnesota House in 2024 emerges as a pivotal solution to restore balance and foster responsible governance.

Minnesota’s new business group, led by a top Republican from the recent elections, faces tough challenges ahead. The Minnesota Private Business Council aims to boost the state’s economy and tackle tax issues without trying to please both political sides. They want to change how things work in politics and get more support for ideas that help everyone, especially with economic problems and disagreements between people.

With over $600,000 in membership dues from prestigious Minnesota businesses like Rosen’s Diversified Inc. and Cambria, the MPBC is poised to reshape the state’s economic landscape. Tom Rosen and Todd Paulson, industry stalwarts, lead as Co-Chairs, championing policies for growth and job creation. Join the movement as Jim Schultz, President/CEO-Executive Director, embarks on a mission to deliver a new vision for Minnesota’s future, promising prosperity and opportunity for all.

Amidst Minnesota’s mounting challenges, including economic stagnation, political polarization, and public safety concerns, a beacon of hope emerges with the launch of the Minnesota Private Business Council (MPBC). Committed to advocating for common-sense policies fostering job growth, entrepreneurship, and accountable governance, the MPBC stands poised to redefine Minnesota’s trajectory. With a vision for a state where prosperity is inclusive and communities thrive, the MPBC aims to steer Minnesota toward a future defined by opportunity and dignity for all its citizens, transcending the divisive politics of the present moment.