Lawmakers, get back to work

Dear Gov. Walz, Lt. Gov. Flanagan and members of the Minnesota House and Senate:
As associations representing the state’s local partners – its school districts, counties, cities, and townships, encompassing all citizens of our state – we are aware of the significant challenges and needs local leaders face amid an uncertain economy and the ongoing effects of the pandemic.
During the 2022 legislative session these local leaders articulated needs for state support, some of which received consideration in bills that were not finalized before the conclusion of the session.
State resources play a critical role in providing local services, and many issues that need attention now should not wait until 2023.
We want to work with you on our legislative needs and priorities in what we feel is an important special session.
Labor shortages hinder delivery of public safety services including police and fire protection, and rapidly escalating costs are hurting local social services and the education of Minnesota’s students.
At the local level we’re working to improve deteriorating infrastructure, but we are doing so without appropriate state investments.
There are urgent needs in mental health support services to address substantial challenges being experienced by families and communities. School districts are confronting widespread challenges for students that will only compound without necessary resources.
We’re facing higher costs, disjointed planning and economic losses in our transportation, transit and infrastructure projects as a result of a delayed bonding bill and delays in addressing matching funds for the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
Local governments also are on their own in regulating products under new THC law.
We need an immediate state framework and parameters for regulation, established by lawmakers in partnership with local governments. Not addressing this until next year will result in a patchwork quilt of local laws that are likely to be inconsistent from one community to another.
We are therefore writing to respectfully, yet strongly, encourage the prompt convening of a special session.
We need you to finalize supplemental budget and tax bills, develop a capital investment bill, and finish critical business, such as:
•approve state matching funds for the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
•address the growing special education cross subsidy.
•address a framework for the regulation of cannabinoid products.
We call upon state leaders to continue engaging with us, your local government partners, to finalize legislation that will serve the entire state.
The state’s historically large budget surplus provides an unprecedented opportunity for Minnesota to address the state’s immediate and critical needs. We ask all state leaders to use this opportunity and to return to the work at hand.
Minnesota’s local governments, and the state’s residents, business, families, and students are depending on you. Now is the time for action. We stand ready to work with you and appreciate your attention to our request.
Our constituents are your constituents.
Let’s work together in the next few weeks to complete the business started months ago and, in the end, benefit all Minnesotans.
 
•Association of Metropolitan School Districts
•Association of MN Counties
•Coalition of Greater MN Cities
•League of MN Cities
•Association of Metropolitan Municipalities
• MN Association of School Administrators
• MN Association of Small Cities
• MN Association of Townships Minnesota
•Inter-County Association Minnesota Rural Counties
•Minnesota School Boards Association
•Municipal Legislative Commission
•North Metro Mayors Association
•Range Association of Municipalities and Schools Southeastern
•MN League of Municipalities
•Schools for Equity in Education
•Southwest MN Council of Mayors