St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman and Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden, spokesperson for the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities, released the following statement in response to Governor Pawlenty’s decision to spare LGA from December unallotment:

We applaud and thank Governor Pawlenty for recognizing that Minnesota cities have hit the financial edge and additional cuts would jeopardize public safety and do further harm to our fledgling economy.

Over the past year we have done everything we can to speak out for cities across the state to show how critical services like police, fire, snowplowing, libraries and property taxes have been affected by continued cuts to local government aid.

Over the past seven years Minnesota cities have lost $754 million in LGA and the consequences have been profound-a 64% increase in property taxes and significant cuts to core services like police, fire, snow plowing and libraries.

As a major winter storm is bearing down on us, the critical role our cities play in the lives of our citizens is no more apparent than today.  Across the state, cities are battling the storm by plowing streets, dropping salt and doing everything we can to protect the safety of Minnesota families.   All of us know that this comes at a cost.

We look forward to working with the governor and the legislature in the upcoming session to ensure our cities will continue to be protected.

St.Paul, MN—Saying that the next governor will determine the fate of cities across the state, mayors announced at a State Capitol press conference that they are turning their attention to the 2010 governor’s race and will be traveling the state to call on candidates to address local government aid (LGA).

“Minnesotans have had it. We are standing here today because our citizens are demanding answers. Our citizens are bearing the brunt of year after year of property tax increases and cuts to local police, fire, libraries, community pools, street maintenance and snow plowing,” said Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden, who is also a spokesperson with the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities-an organization of nearly 80 outstate cities that is organizing the effort.

“If you are running for governor, Minnesotans want to know where you stand: will you uphold the state’s commitment to strong, affordable cities, or will you continue to allow property taxes to skyrocket across the state?” Wolden asked. Continue reading »

City officials gathered in St. Paul this week for the annual League of Minnesota Cities conference. Forum Communications report Don Davis was on hand to ask leaders from across the recent LGA cuts would affect their service delivery efforts and impact property taxpayers.

Many cities noted that while the 2009 cuts may be managed through mostly unnoticeable spending cuts, the deeper 2010 cuts will do more damage. Moorhead will consider reducing its public safety budget and talk about raising property taxes. The Willmar Fire Department is down eight firefighters since only six positions were hired back after 14 retirements. Hawley plans to reduce library and community center hours, and also will put off its plan to hire a fourth cop for its 24/7 patrol.

These are just a few examples from around the state. Many cities will similarly have to reduce their workforce (including public safety personnel), shorten hours at public facilities, and increase property taxes. If you believe that cutting LGA severely weakens Minnesota’s cities, contact your legislators today, and tell them that it’s time for the state reaffirmed its commitment to the LGA program.

Speakers include a Mankato police officer, a St. Paul firefighter, a Minneapolis parks worker, a St. Paul librarian, and several mayors and legislators.

Hundreds of fired-up LGA supporters braved the cold to voice their support for the people and jobs that keep Minnesota communities strong. Thank LGA would like to thank everyone who attended our rally on the Capitol steps this afternoon, and is happy to report that the event was a huge success! Our message to the Legislature and the governor was strong: cutting LGA will result in thousands of public and private layoffs across the state, and residents will see drastic cuts to the services they depend on.  As many of the speakers noted, the rally to save LGA must continue. Be sure to contact your legislators and the governor, and tell them to protect LGA.

Special thanks to our library supporters for the great pictures!

Looking for a change of scenery for your lunch break? Then join hundreds of police officers, firefighters, librarians, parks workers, mayors, and LGA supporters from around the state for an LGA rally on the Capitol steps in St. Paul tomorrow, March 26, from 12:00 – 12:30 p.m. This is your chance to stand up for the city services you depend on and the affordability of your community.

As members of the Legislature consider ways to deal with the state’ s budget deficit, they need to hear from the public about the programs that matter most. We need as large of a crowd as possible to show them that LGA is what keeps Minnesota communities strong. Don’t forget to tell your friends, bring your co-workers, and make a sign to show support for your library, police force, low property taxes, and other LGA-supported programs!

Firefighters, police officers, library supporters, and city officials spoke out Friday about the importance of LGA. Those who spoke at the press conference gave honest, articulate responses to the question, “What does LGA mean to Minnesota?” To firefighters and police officers, LGA means a safer Minnesota in which emergencies are quickly responded to by highly trained professionals. To library supporters, LGA means a place where children can build a foundation for life-long learning, families can develop a connection to their neighborhoods, and job seekers can find the resources they need. To city officials, LGA means a commitment from the state that no matter what corner of the state we live in, we all have a right to essential services—police, fire protection, libraries, parks, safe roads, and more—at an affordable price to taxpayers.

It’s time for the state to fulfill its commitment, not shrink away from it. Contact the governor and your legislators and tell them that LGA funds the services that keep our state strong.

Legislators will be touring the state February 19 and 20 to discuss the governor’s budget proposal. Click here to see a complete schedule of the tour stops. It is imperative that you attend one of these meetings. The budget discussion is now in the Legislature’s court. Legislators need to know that LGA and fair property taxation must be a top priority for the state.

The House has set up a website where you can sign up to speak at one of these forums. This is a great opportunity to speak up about the importance of your city services and fair property taxation. Make sure to sign up today!