Revised One Minnesota Budget nearly doubles funding for public safety

Governor Tim Walz is revising his One Minnesota Budget plan, this time including over half a billion dollars for public safety across the State.

The Walz Administration has nearly doubled the public safety plan, bringing the total funding to $550 million to support local governments. The revised budget also includes an increase in Local Government Aid, $240 million to replace lead services, and a $2,500 tax credit for those 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.

Thursday’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.