Minnesota Mayors Warn State on Economy, Spending

Minnesota Mayors Warn State on Economy, Spending
Minnesota Mayors Warn State on Economy, Spending

Minnesota (trfnews.i234.me) — A group of 98 Minnesota mayors signed a letter this week raising concerns about the state’s economic and financial direction, according to statements shared with media outlets.

The letter was written by Jackson Purfeest, the mayor of Crosslake. Among the signers was Mike Lorenson, the mayor of Thief River Falls.

The letter cites spending and oversight concerns

The mayors said they are worried about fraud, unchecked spending, and uneven financial management at the Capitol. They said those choices can limit what cities can do with roads, staffing, and basic services.

King said accountability is the main issue. He said local leaders must answer for budget decisions. He said state leaders should face similar pressure.

Minnesota Mayors Warn State on Economy, Spending
Minnesota Mayors Warn State on Economy, Spending

Surplus to deficit warning

The letter also points to Minnesota’s recent budget history. It says Minnesotans saw an estimated $18 billion surplus shrink over a single budget cycle. It warns the state may face a projected $2.9 billion to $3 billion deficit in the 2028–29 biennium.

Economic rankings mentioned

The mayors also cited rankings they attributed to a report from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. The letter claims Minnesota has lagged in job growth and labor force growth in recent years. It also referenced residents moving out of state.

Governor’s office response

A statement shared from Governor Tim Walz’s office defended the state’s approach. The statement said the administration has sent record levels of funding directly to local governments. It cited aid for police and fire departments, large infrastructure budgets, lead line replacement funding, and local government aid.

More information from the governor’s office is available here: mn.gov/governor.

The Rochester mayor did not sign

Kim Norton, the mayor of Rochester, said she did not sign the letter. She said Rochester’s economy is strong and said recent reports show positive signs for state revenues. She also said she expects the state to budget wisely.

I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.

42 comments

  1. Don’t fill a W-4 withholding form for your state that’s all but everyone has got to do it otherwise it’s just foolish not to do it in the masses.

    1. Ken Norenberg ,, i’m surprised it’s me and somebody else with a thumbs up. Wow, everybody enjoys paying all this fraud money to these somalians, just ridiculous or is fake book censoring everybody.

  2. Jackson Purfeerst how many in the picture signed on. Keep your cool. It’s getting to the bottom of the problem that matters. We all know who started it.

  3. Why aren’t there more? Every school board, every county commissioner, every city council member, every mayor should say “we will NOT implement one single state mandate” until all the fraud is uncovered and the ones responsible are deported or in prison!

  4. Steve Fluger , could not have said it better! We have several friends that have relocated to other states because of it. And many more that are considering it! Sad state of affairs!

  5. Oh ya how about cutting there $$$$ when was the last time city and county tax went down . I just go across the river there is no city and county tax on goods

  6. Nick Shirley makes other reporters on NBC CBS and ABC look like amateurs. This guy is a real reporter bringing you the news that nobody else wants to hear and needs to hear! “TAMPON TIM NEEDS TO RESIGN” antique llhan Omar with him!

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