For Immediate Release
Contact: Julie Liew
Below is a statement from CGMC President and Little Falls Mayor Greg Zylka on the end of the 2021 legislative session and impending special session:
“The legislative session officially ends today, but we are willing to overlook the missed deadline if lawmakers can work hard over the next few weeks to pass a budget that addresses critical needs facing Greater Minnesota communities. Our cities are still reeling from hardships created and amplified by the pandemic. We are looking to our leaders in St. Paul to invest in critical needs like child care, housing, clean water infrastructure and transportation to help us rise above these challenges.
“The real works begins today. Now that the Governor and legislative leaders have reached an agreement on the size of the next two-year state budget, the Legislature can finally tackle the hard work of figuring out the details. As lawmakers buckle down and focus on specific budget areas, we urge them to keep the needs of Greater Minnesota in mind.
“We can accept a missed deadline, but we won’t accept a missed opportunity. The current budget surplus and the infusion of federal funds coming to Minnesota provide an opportunity to craft a budget that will help the entire state continue to recover from the pandemic and prepare our communities for a brighter future.”
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The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization that represents cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota. Visit the CGMC online at greatermncities.org and follow us on Twitter @greatermncities.
