For Immediate Release   

February 29, 2024                                                                      

Contact: Alex Wildfang        
651-259-1917   
ahwildfang@flaherty-hood.com                                                                                                                      

CGMC President: Stronger February forecast shows state can afford to provide immediate relief to EMS providers

Forecasted budget surplus must be used to address the EMS delivery crisis and support communities statewide.

ST. PAUL—With today’s release of Minnesota Management and Budget’s February forecast, leaders from the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities (CGMC) are calling on Governor Walz and the Legislature to prioritize investing $120 million in emergency funding for the state’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system.

“The challenges to the sustainability of our emergency medical services are mounting, as many of our communities are simply unable to afford operating their local ambulance services any longer,” said CGMC President and Mayor of St. Joseph Rick Schultz. “This already fragile system is at a breaking point and will continue to have life-threatening consequences if the Legislature doesn’t act this session.”

“The good news is that this most recent budget forecast shows that lawmakers have the means to help our communities deal with this crisis,” Schultz continued. “Using $120 million in surplus funds to provide urgent relief to our EMS providers is not only critically needed, but it is absolutely achievable.”

“Safeguarding the well-being of our communities has always been a principal and persistent topic at the Legislature. What better way to ensure the health and safety of Minnesotans than to support the vital systems that are dedicated to saving the lives of our families, friends, and neighbors? That is why we are urging legislative leaders to prioritize taking up H.F.3992/S.F.3886 during the 2024 session.”

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The Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities is a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy organization representing cities outside of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Coalition educates legislators about issues important to Greater Minnesota. Visit the CGMC at greatermncities.org and follow us on Twitter @greatermncities.