A 43% reduction? At what point will cities have played their fair role in balancing the state’s budget?

With the governor vetoing a legislative budget plan that would have protected LGA and Market Value Credit (MVC) from further funding cuts in 2010, the legislature will look for ways to redraft their plan in a way that will generate more support from the executive branch. Prior to last week’s unallotment ruling, the governor released a proposal for closing the state’s budget gap in light of delayed federal funding; this plan included an additional $87.5 to $102 million reduction in LGA and MVC for 2010 (an exact cut amount is unknown due to the uncertainty of how cities and counties would split the overall proposed cut to property tax aids and credits). The graph below shows that a cut on the low end of this range—on top of the governor’s 2010 unallotments to LGA and MVC and the legislature’s supplemental cut—would amount to an overall 43% reduction of LGA and MVC in this year alone. Even without the governor’s proposed supplemental cut, LGA and MVC have been reduced 29% in 2010 through unallotment and legislative action.

Editorial board sees value in angel tax credit

The Rochester Post-Bulletin editorial board discusses the merits of recently signed legislation that includes an angel investor tax credit. CGMC has been a vocal supporter of this credit because it will spur economic activity and bring needed investment dollars to small businesses in greater Minnesota communities.

Cities propose bill to protect essential services and property taxpayers

The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities released a statement to the press this morning regarding a bill to protect LGA funding.

Mayors respond to governor’s decision to spare LGA from December unallotment

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.