Minn. Cities Ask Court To Keep State Aid Coming

June 22, 2011 4:06 PM

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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Minnesota’s cities are pushing to keep their state aid checks coming even if state government shuts down on July 1.

The League of Minnesota Cities filed paperwork Wednesday arguing that the state should be required to keep paying aid to local governments. Cities have already built this year’s budgets around the checks expected in July and December.

The organization is one of many weighing in on a shutdown case pending before a Ramsey County court, with groups for interests ranging from battered women to nursing homes making the case for their funding. The first hearing in that case happens Thursday.

St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says his city and others would have “a huge problem” keeping police and firefighters on the job if the state aid checks don’t come through.

Minn. Cities Ask Court To Keep State Aid Coming

Christian Wait

“Cities have already built this year’s budgets around the checks expected in July and December.”

Don’t count your chickens before they’re hatched.

If we did away with state aid altogether, and paid local taxes instead, this wouldn’t be an issue.

Citizen

@Christian. No. Then we would have a much different issue–skyrocketing property taxes. Oh, wait, we already have that, too!

Christian Wait

So we have to make a choice between paying local taxes that stay in the area, and paying state taxes that the politicians then decide how to apportion to local areas.

Either way, we get taxed. But the fewer hands money passes through, the less that is lost to waste, corruption, and normal administrative expenses.

Bill

Why should rural folk have to foot the bill for urban liberals stupidity?
Victim Du Jour

It’s clearly stated in the Constitution the legislative branch is the only branch of government allowed to spend tax money.

Dayton is suppose to call a special session and ask the State Legislature.
Rico Suave

It really is unfortunate that a few (very few in my view) worthy, legitimate programs may have to go without for a while, all because our spendaholic former legislators and current governor still refuse to take on the issue of wasteful spending. The adults have been trying, but have gotten no help. They’re like the weak parent who just can’t bear to say no to a spoiled child.