Rochester Lawmakers Talk Budget with Business Leaders At 2025 Legislative Update | News

ROCHESTER, Minn.-  The Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Update gave business leaders a peek into the legislative process on Thursday, April 17. 

State Rep. Duane Quam (R), State Rep. Tina Liebling (DFL), State Rep. Andy Smith (DFL) and State Sen. Carla Nelson (R) came out to talk with local business leaders about upcoming legislation an address their concerns for the current legislative session. 

According to Rep. Duane Quam, it’s a rare opportunity to get feedback during the legislative break. 

“I’ve probably talked to over a dozen people from Mayo and different businesses, school districts, et cetera and it’s to get the feedback and hear right from the people,” Rep. Quam said. 

Rep. Tina Liebling says it can also lead to a lot of enjoyable conversations. 

“It’s always great, to get out and talk with people let them know what’s going on and let them ask questions. It is our legislative break now,” Rep. Liebling said.

Topics at this year’s update included the 2026-2027 and 2028-2029 budget, new legislation to bolster the state’s workforce and upcoming budget bills for the state Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce.