St. Paul Mayor Chris Colemand and Wadena Mayor Wayne Wolden issued the following statement today regarding the need for a special session to resolve the state’s $1.2 billion shortfall for the current biennium:
Today we are calling for an immediate special legislative session to address the $1.2 billion dollar budget deficit.
Minnesota cities are so close to the financial edge that any reduction in the December funding will spell disaster in the form of closed libraries, deeper cuts to police and fire protection and a sharp reduction in critical services, like winter snowplowing.
This is one of the most challenging times Minnesota has ever faced, with high unemployment and virtually no economic growth. Another hit to cities will cripple our communities and the effects will only worsen the state’s economy.
A special session is the only reasonable, rational and responsible option. There has never been a greater time for state leaders to drop political slogans and petty disagreements and come together to address the long-term financial needs of our state.
December 6th, 2009 at 5:24 pm
I would suggest that the mayors all publish how the
governors’ proposed cuts will affect their communities.
These results should be posted for the entire state
citizens to review on a weekly basis.
I would like the country to see who the governor truly
represents and what his priorities truly are.
I speak for the Twin Cites of Mpls/St.Paul and the
near suburbs.