3/27/09 Today in our Sights

By Jason Hitchcock, March 27, 2009 at 12:04 pm

Worthington Daily Globe: Entenza visits Worthington, discusses Minnesota 2020 report

"Ongoing state cuts to local government aid (LGA) hurt the quality of life in rural Minnesota cities, according to more than 90 percent of mayors surveyed for a report released by Minnesota 2020, a nonpartisan, progressive think tank."

Marshall Independent: Rural cities taking the hit

KARE11: Cities look to put a face on Local Government Aid

Echo Press: City cuts deepen - Alexandria trims budget to make up for lost LGA
"Council member Cindy Bigger noted that more cuts are likely since the governor is proposing nearly twice as much of a cut in LGA in 2010. As a result, Alexandria stands to lose about $658,000 next year."

Star tribune: A rally to make a point on state funding
"Ken Zepeda, a St. Paul firefighter, said a loss of 14 percent of the department's budget through possible cuts would mean a drop of one fire company that would prolong response times. Amy Vokal, a Mankato public safety commander, said the loss of staff from police reserves and in funding for training would have jeopardized the recent safe evacuation of 260 residents when a truck spilled liquid ammonia. A Minneapolis community program leader, Sherena Gibbs, told the story of a young man adrift, who was helped by recreation programs and after-school activities and is now on his way to being a member of the State Patrol, and how those programs are in jeopardy."

Minnesota Independent: Firefighters, lawmakers ramp up outrage over Pawlenty's proposed cuts
"Under Gov. Tim Pawlenty's proposed budget, aid to counties and cities would be reduced by $245 million - a 14 percent reduction. Many local governments rely on this funding to help pay for core services such as police, fire and libraries."

Minnesota to get $37.4 million for energy, conservation

"Most of the conservation funding is meant for projects that will save energy at public buildings, including schools and county, city and state government structures, Walsh said. The conservation funding represents Minnesota’s share of Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program, which is part of $3.2 billion slated to be distributed nationwide following applications to the U.S. Department of Energy."

Posted in Economic Development | Related Topics: Energy  Rural Minnesota  LGA