|
| Date: | February 8, 2011 | | Contact Name: | Chris Van Guilder | | Contact Phone: | 651-296-1388 | | Contact Email: | christopher.vanguilder@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
|
| REPUBLICAN RURAL CAUCUS HEARS PRESENTATION ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID |
(ST. PAUL) – The Republican Rural Caucus, composed of Republican members of the Minnesota House and Senate, meets regularly to discuss public policy issues important to rural Minnesota. Co-chairs Senator Doug Magnus (R-Slayton), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, and House counterpart Representative Rod Hamilton (R-Mountain Lake) lead the meetings.
Pat Dalton, of the Minnesota House of Representatives Research Department, gave a presentation on Local Government Aid (LGA) titled, “Where Are We and How Did We Get Here?” The presentation detailed the formation of LGA, original structure, historical funding formula changes, regional distribution, and an in-depth analysis of certified versus paid LGA dollars.
“There is a lot of misinformation and a misperception about LGA and its intended design,” remarked Rural Caucus Co-Chair Senator Doug Magnus. “I wanted to address this issue early in our session, as it will prevail throughout. I was encouraged by the attendance and the active participation. I hope the meeting serves our members well as they continue to work with this issue.”
“It’s no secret that Local Government Aid is an important and contentious topic,” stated Senator Gary Dahms (R-Redwood Falls). “Understanding the history and nuances of LGA and subsequent changes to it allows us to interact more constructively with our constituents and other stakeholders. We anticipate more debate on this topic, and today’s meeting was a good first step toward better understanding all aspects of the issue.”
Ms. Dalton’s presentation concluded with an examination of funding formula components and how they are intended to aid any of Minnesota’s seven different city “types.”
"Local Government Aid is important and I understand the concerns of local officials. The decisions we make here in St. Paul are not easy and these decisions have an impact on the way our local officials organize their budget," said Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck). "The challenge before us is ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used efficiently and effectively."
The Republican Rural Caucus meets weekly and regularly invites policy experts, state leaders and others to participate in their discussions.
###
