98 Minnesota mayors warn state fiscal policies over fuel shortages, high local taxes
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A group of 98 Minnesota mayors expressed concern about state leaders in a letter about their state’s financial policies, which they said had an impact on their cities and citizens, noting the disappearance of more than $18 billion and an estimated deficit of $2.9 billion to 3 billion for the 2028-29 biennium.
In a letter they wrote to lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz, 98 mayors expressed concern and frustration, saying the state is falling in the national economic rankings.
“Fraud, reckless spending, and mismanagement of funds in St. Paul have infiltrated our cities—decreasing our ability to responsibly plan, maintain infrastructure, hire and retain workers, and sustain essential services without overburdening local taxpayers,” Etter said.
‘SCAM PIECE’: MINNESOTA’S EMPTY STOMACHES, FAKE AUTISM TREATMENT AND A $2 BILLION SCANDAL
A man walks in front of the Minnesota State Capitol building at sunset in St. Paul, Minnesota. Nearly 100 mayors across the state expressed concern and frustration in a letter to lawmakers about Minnesota’s fiscal direction and the impact it has on cities. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
Cities in the state are now facing labor shortages, slow business investment, rising operating and construction costs, and families choosing to leave Minnesota altogether, the letter said.
In addition, the mayors noted potential property tax increases due to unfunded state mandates and costs that force cities to shift the burden to residents and businesses.
“There is a growing disconnect between state-level financial decisions and the strain they place on the cities we lead, the letter says. “When the state expands programs or shifts responsibilities without stable funding, our citizens—families, seniors, businesses and workers—end up bearing the costs.
Unfunded mandates include applications for schools, health and human services, and public safety.
Minnesota Republican lawmakers blamed Walz and Democrats.
MINNESOTA’S FAILURE SPENDING IS SILENT, LEAVING TAXPAYERS PAYING FOR DOUBLE FAILURE.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at a press conference. (Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
“Governor Walz and the Democrats passed unaffordable spending and tax increases and unfunded mandates on the promise that they would make life easier,” said Republican Sen. Andrew Lang, who serves as Chairman of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, in a statement. “In reality they have just passed the cost on to local governments, schools, and small businesses, which in turn are passing the cost on to local taxpayers and consumers.
“Minnesota counties sounded the alarm early last session about proposed spending changes in their budgets, so it’s no surprise that nearly 100 mayors across the state are raising their concerns. This letter is a warning that we must reduce federal spending, stop the massive fraud that plagues our state, and remove unnecessary authority to keep health accessible to everyone.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Walz’s office.
The mayors noted that state law requires a balanced budget but relying on one-time surpluses has created difficulties.
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“Our state owes it to our citizens to act responsibly and stop taxing our families, seniors and Minnesota businesses,” they said. “We urge the Legislature to get it right and remember that every dollar you hold is not for the Capitol, but for the people of Minnesota.”
