[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan today announced that they have nearly doubled their public safety plan, bringing the total to $550 million to support local governments with public safety. Their revised budget also includes an increase in Local Government Aid, $240 million to replace lead service lines, and a $2,500 tax credit for consumers who purchase electric vehicles.

“By investing in local public safety across the state, this budget laser-focuses on ensuring Minnesotans feel safe in their homes, at their schools, and in their communities,” said Governor Walz. “With a diverse and growing economy, we have an opportunity to make investments that will improve the health and safety of Minnesotans in every neighborhood, in every community across the state. Let’s get this done.”

“By making historic investments in public safety, clean drinking water, opioid and substance use disorder recovery, and workforce development, the One Minnesota Budget lays clear how government can and should improve the lives of the communities and people it serves,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “At its core, our revised budget strengthens our ability to support safe and vibrant communities in every part of our state. I am energized by the opportunity to get this done for Minnesotans.”

Protecting Minnesotans’ Healthy and Safety

The Governor and Lieutenant Governor recommend nearly doubling public safety aid funding to a total of $550 million for cities, counties, and tribal governments across the state. The revised One Minnesota Budget also dedicates $240 million to help Minnesotans access clean drinking water by funding lead service line replacement in community water systems across the state. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor also recommend increased funding to combat the opioid crisis by funding prevention and engagement grants, expanding access to and training on administering Naloxone, and funding culturally focused programs to purchase clean needles and testing supplies.

Investing in Minnesota’s Economic Future

To support the state’s higher education systems and create vital pathways into the workforce, the Governor and Lieutenant Governor’s revised budget increases funding for Minnesota State to provide student supports and wrap-around services, as well as advance workforce training and scholarship opportunities. Governor and Lieutenant Governor also recommend an additional $10 million per year increase to the Local Government Aid and County Program Aid programs to help cities and counties pay for vital needs such as local roads and infrastructure. Finally, the revised One Minnesota Budget includes a new $2,500 tax credit for individuals purchasing new electric vehicles. Combined with federal credits, eligible individuals could save up to $10,000 when they purchase an electric vehicle.

Minnesotans shared their support for Governor Walz and Lieutenant Governor Flanagan’s revised One Minnesota Budget.

“The Rochester police department and law enforcement agencies across the state are facing significant challenges, recruiting and retaining officers. This investment will be instrumental in helping to train officers for this complex profession, ultimately enhancing public safety in our communities,” said Rochester Police Chief Jim Franklin.

“This commitment is key to any future successes law agencies across the state will have,” said Fridley Police Chief Brian Weierke. “The needs and expectations of our communities are only matched by the passion and dedication of the people who serve them. These resources will benefit all of us as we work to make those communities safer and more welcoming.”

“Every Minnesota property taxpayer benefits from County Program Aid. From Lac qui Parle County to Ramsey County, all of Minnesota’s 87 counties rely on County Program Aid (CPA) to offset state mandates, help deliver services, and provide much needed property tax relief. The Association of Minnesota Counties is grateful to Governor Walz for his continued recognition of the critical role counties play and for including this important property tax relief mechanism in his budget and for the expansion of this program in his supplemental budget,” said AMC President Mary Jo McGuire (Ramsey County) and AMC Past President Todd Patzer (Lac qui Parle County).

“Minnesota cities appreciate the recognition from Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan that Local Government Aid is underfunded and the need to restore the state and local government partnership. Local Government Aid is an essential tool for cities to provide quality services and restrain property taxes across the state. We look forward to continuing to work with the Governor and the legislature on this moving forward,” said League of Minnesota Cities Intergovernmental Relations Director Anne Finn.

Today’s announcement follows the January rollout of the One Minnesota Budget , which focused on ending child poverty and making Minnesota the best state in the country for kids. Details for the entire One Minnesota Budget can be found online.