Session Update: Bill Directing Local Government Aid for Mutual Aid Agreements Advances

A bill that would allow the redirection of Local Government Aid (LGA) funds to reimburse Minnesota cities and counties for the emergency services that they provide through mutual aid agreements came before the Senate Subcommittee on Property Taxes Wednesday, February 10. The measure, SF 749, is the Republican-led response to Governor Walz’s request for a $35 million public safety fund in preparation for the trials of the former Minneapolis police officers charged in the death of George Floyd.

Senator Bill Weber, R-Luverne, the bill’s author, reminded members that the Minneapolis city council removed $8 million in funding from the Minneapolis police department, and that the city still owes payments to cities and counties for their assistance during the civil unrest last summer. “I’m not sure that this bill would even be here today if it hadn’t been for the fact that Minneapolis defunded their police. For them to have done that, and then for the Governor to ask for money to ensure that we have a proper response come potential problems around the trial, for me, I find that unreasonable. I find that objectionable,” he said.

Opponents to the measure argued that the bill sets a new precedent for funding emergency assistance provided by communities to cities and towns impacted by civil unrest and other emergencies. The measure was approved along party lines and referred to the tax committee.