This week, Governor Walz put forward a budget proposal entitled State Aid for Emergencies (SAFE) Account. This proposal would address public safety across Minnesota by creating a fund to assist cities during times of emergencies when other cities step forward to assist them. Today, the Senate Republicans put forth an alternative proposal that would require cities to pay off expenses during an emergency by using their local government aid (LGA) money, even though 102 cities throughout Minnesota do not receive LGA funding.
In response to this development, Leader Kent issues the following statement:
“Keeping Minnesotans safe and secure in any and all circumstances should always be our top priority. As Minnesotans, we have a history of coming together to help those in need, Senate DFL Leader Kent said.” It doesn’t matter if an emergency is in Minneapolis or Moorhead, St. Paul or Sleepy Eye, surrounding communities have always stepped up to answer the call and deserve to be compensated for their effort.”
“The Senate Republican proposal put forth today does not reflect the values of Minnesota and would potentially leave vulnerable cities that currently do not receive LGA funding. Unfortunately, we cannot anticipate when or where unrest will occur, no matter how much outreach we do to prevent it. But, when an emergency happens, our cities deserve the peace of mind to know that they will be taken care of and the resources will be there to support them. That is the basic fundamental duty of good government.”
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