98 Minnesota mayors warn state fiscal policies fuel deficits, higher local taxes
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A group of 98 Minnesota mayors expressed concerns to state leaders about their state’s fiscal policies, saying those policies are impacting their cities and their residents, highlighting the elimination of an $18 billion surplus and a $2.9 billion to $3 billion deficit projected for the 2028-29 biennium.
98 mayors expressed concern and disappointment in a letter to state lawmakers and Gov. Tim Walz, saying the state has slipped in national economic rankings.
“The fraud, uncontrolled spending, and inconsistent fiscal management in St. Paul have spilled over into our cities, diminishing our capacity to plan responsibly, maintain infrastructure, recruit and retain employees, and maintain essential services without unduly burdening local taxpayers,” the letter said.
‘FRAUD CENTER’: MINNESOTA’S EMPTY MISTAKES, FAKE AUTISM THERAPY AND A SCANDAL THAT COULD REACH UP TO 2 BILLION DOLLARS
A man walks in St. Petersburg at sunset. Paul marches in front of the Minnesota State Capitol in Minnesota. Nearly 100 of the state’s mayors expressed concern and frustration about Minnesota’s finances and their impact on cities in a letter to lawmakers. (Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
The letter states that cities across the state are now facing workforce shortages, slowing business investment, rising operating and construction costs, and families choosing to leave Minnesota altogether.
Additionally, mayors noted potential property tax increases as a result of unfunded state mandates and costs that force cities to pass the burden on residents and businesses.
“There is a growing disconnect between state-level financial decisions and the pressure they place on the cities we govern,” the letter states. “When the state expands programs or shifts responsibilities without stable funding, it is our residents—families, seniors, businesses, and workers—who ultimately bear the cost.”
Unfunded mandates include schools, health and human services, and public safety requests.
Minnesota Republican lawmakers placed the blame on Walz and Democrats.
MINNESOTA’S ANTI-FRAUD EXPENDITURES ARE QUIETLY BANNED, LEAVING TAXPAYERS TO PAY FOR THE FAILURE TWICE
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaks at a press conference. (Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images)
“Governor Walz and Democrats agreed to unfunded mandates along with unaffordable spending and tax increases with the promise that it would make life more affordable,” State Republican Senator Andrew Lang, who serves as Leader of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, said in a statement. he said. “They essentially passed the costs on to local governments, schools and small businesses, who in turn passed the costs on to local taxpayers and consumers.
“Minnesota Counties raised alarm about proposals to shift costs into their budgets early last session, so I’m not surprised to see nearly 100 mayors across the state voice their own concerns. This letter is a wake-up call that we need to reduce government spending, stop the massive fraud plaguing our state, and remove unnecessary mandates to keep life affordable for everyone.”
Fox News Digital reached out to Walz’s office.
Mayors noted that state law requires a balanced budget, but relying on one-time surplus dollars creates structural tension.
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“Our state has an obligation to our citizens to practice responsible financial management and to stop taxing our families, seniors, and businesses outside of Minnesota,” they said. “We urge the Legislature to correct course and remember that every dollar you manage belongs to the people of Minnesota, not the Capitol.”
