Nearly 100 mayors of Minnesota localities have signed a letter criticizing state legislators for spending at reckless levels that forced their cities to raise property taxes.
KNSI reports the mayors expressed outrage to legislators and Gov. Tim Walz that the state’s $18 billion surplus vanished in one budget cycle, to be followed by a projected $2.9 billion to $3 billion deficit heading into the 2028-29 biennium. The mayors cited fraud, unchecked spending and fiscal mismanagement in the state government, claiming it has become more difficult for them plan budgets and maintain operations without placing new pressures on their residents.
Preliminary data determined Minnesota cities may need to raise property tax levies by an average of 8.7% for 2026, with counties racking up an 8.1% increase.
The mayors also highlighted a recent Minnesota Chamber of Commerce report showing the state ranked 33rd in GDP growth, 39th in job growth, 40th in labor force growth and 46th in median household income growth between 2019 and 2024, with nearly 48,000 residents leaving the state.
“Our residents deserve better than deficits, economic decline and policies that push families and businesses away,” the letter said. “We, as mayors, can only support our cities for so long before the heavy hand of state mandates and financial pressure demands more than our communities can provide.”
Keep giving free school and health care to immigrants.
The state knew the surplus was being drawn down at an alarming rate. They did nothing to address the situation. The costs for the state program mandates should have been covered in the state’s budget. The Governor has proven he’s nearly worthless as a leader and manager of the states resources. Of course Minnesota has a net negative migration rate. The riots in Minneapolis/St.Paul and the anti-police rhetoric by many of the local politicians poisoned the atmosphere for many. Many Minnesotans that are workers are wondering why so many immigrants and some local citizens are takers for their lifestyles. Be it legal or illegitimate they work the system for easy money and no 9-5 work schedule that the majority do because they believe in taking care of their families the old fashion way. Yes, times are changing fast in Democratically controlled cities and states.
Democrats, Tax and spend someone else money and then tax some more and when they get caught they blame the economy or a republican, but no, there is no fraud in any of the social welfare programs LOL
They are using these increases for fraud. This is the biggest scam of our lifetime. America first is and should be the only policy.