CALL IT LIKE IT IS:
PROPERTY TAXES GOING UP BECAUSE OF STATE CUTS
It has been a hard pill to swallow but Greater Minnesota cities have come to terms with the budgetary decision to cut over $600 million in property tax relief to cities and counties to balance the budget and end the state government shutdown. The real insult is not the devastating cuts themselves, rather the rhetoric from certain state lawmakers who deny that deep cuts to programs like Local Government Aid, County Program Aid and the Market Value Homestead Credit will increase property taxes. That’s the real shame. Read more…
The judicial panel on redistricting is holding hearings this week and next week to gather input on how legislative and congressional lines should be drawn for the next ten years. City officials should seriously consider testifying in person or through written comments. Read more…
The 2012 redistricting will impact the future of greater Minnesota. It is important that greater Minnesota city officials and citizens get involved.  If you haven’t done so already, review our redistricting presentation with information on actions that you can take to make your voice is heard.
As we  mentioned at the summer conference, the League of Women Voters and several other non-profit organizations operating together as “Draw the Line” Minnesota have created a citizen’s commission to propose a non-partisan redistricting plan for the state. The group will create maps through a fair and open process that it hopes can serve as a model for future redistricting efforts.  Learn more at their website. They have added additional dates for public testimony in greater Minnesota. Keep in mind this is not the same as the judicial panel which will occur in October:
Monday, September 12th - 6:30-8:00 pm
Congressional District #1 Public Testimony
Council Chambers, Winona City Hall
207 Lafayette Street
Winona, MN 55987
Tuesday, September 20th - 12:00-1:30 pm
Congressional District #8 Public Testimony
Zeitgeist Café
222 East Superior St.
Duluth MN 55802
Tuesday, September 20th - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
First United Methodist Church (Cooper Top)
230 E Skyline Pkwy
Duluth, MN 55811
Wednesday, September 21st - 7:00 - 9:00 pm
Congressional District #6 Public Testimony
Stillwater Council Chambers, City Hall
216 4th Street North
Stillwater MN 55082
Tuesday, September 27th - 6:30 - 7:30 pm
Congressional District #7 Public Testimony
Moorhead State University
Comstock Memorial Union (Rm 227)
615 14th Street South
Moorhead, MN 56563
Please note - the judicial panel schedule has not been announced, but the hearings will take place in October. We encourage you to participate in the sessions mentioned above, but it is not a substitute for the judicial panel. Participation in the October judicial panels will be crucial in many parts of the state.
Growing businesses and jobs is essential to keep Greater Minnesota healthy in the future.  The CGMC dedicated an afternoon to the topic of economic development at our summer conference in Grand Rapids. Read more…
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources announced this week that the deadline for applications for several parks and trail funding programs is moved up to October 31, 2011 rather than in the spring as in previous cycle.   Applications for  FY2012 Parks & Trails grants, Local Trail Connections Grants and the Regional Trail Program will all be due on October 31, 2011. Read more…
The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities issued this statement last week on behalf of its newly elected President Alan Oberloh: Read more…
The redistricting process and the effect it will have on greater Minnesota was another topic that stirred great interest at the CGMC summer conference. Read more…
