The Minnesota government shutdown is entering its second week. The Legislature and the Governor do not appear any closer to a budget resolution and as of now, there are no negotiations scheduled. Read more…
This morning, Ramsey County District Court Judge Kathleen Gearin issued an order declaring that Local Government Aid must be paid regardless of a government shutdown.
Judge Gearin’s order on LGA was included in a broader court order directing what government functions should be funded in the event of a government shutdown. Her decision orders the Commissioner of the Department of Management and Budget to make any payments that are statutorily appropriated. She specifically orders that Local Government Aid should be paid. Although LGA and school payments are the only aids specifically mentioned, we read the language of the order to mean that other standing and statutory appropriations such as the Market Value Homestead Credit and Utility Valuation Transition Aid must be paid as well.
A copy of the order can be found here.
For Immediate Release: June 29, 2011
Contact: Glen Fladeboe
Cell: 651-208-3262
Statement from Nancy Carroll, Mayor of Park Rapids and President of the Coalition of Greater MN Cities, regarding Court order that cities must be paid during a government shutdown
“There is no doubt that cities dodged a major bullet this morning that may have crippled communities.
“It is just as important that the final budget compromise does not impose yet another round of cuts to cities that will result in higher property taxes for families and businesses and make communities less competitive for retaining and growing jobs.”
27 Jun
July LGA Payments Uncertain
On Friday, the Department of Revenue issued a memorandum stating that payments under government aid programs will not made unless a court orders the department to do so. Read more…
Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak joined mayors from New Ulm, Albert Lea and Austin along with city staff from North Mankato and Sleepy Eye in Albert Lea and New Ulm. Read more…
07 Jun
CGMC Summer Conference
Now is the time to register for our Summer Conference. Here is the agenda and registration.
The ongoing budget stalemate is receiving extensive coverage in the news media and opinion pages. Several of these papers highlight the importance of cities and local government aid. Others emphasize the need for a balanced budget solution that includes revenue. Read more…
