St. Paul’s 2019 wish list includes legalized pot, college savings accounts, more state aid — and a new Kellogg Boulevard bridge
And,
ThaoMee Xiong,
Xiong, who works closely with fellow city lobbyist
City officials are hopeful some of that surplus will go to increase aid to municipalities. Every two years, the state typically passes a bonding bill to fund major infrastructure projects. That's not currently on schedule for 2019, but it doesn't hurt to keep bonding requests fresh in the minds of lawmakers.
"Even though this is a non-bonding year ... the number one bonding priority is the
Here's a selection of
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AID
Local government aid -- state funding for cities and towns -- accounts for nearly a fourth of the city's general fund. But LGA hasn't grown over the years in step with inflation. Statewide, local government aid funding is capped at
LOCAL CONTROL
That's inspired a robust debate at the State Capitol over why there's a statewide minimum wage in the first place, and how far cities can go to impose regulations beyond what's mandated by the state.
The city's 2019 legislative agenda states: "The city of
LODGING TAX
The city supports the
THIRD STREET/
Built in 1982, the city's longest bridge connects the
RIVERCENTRE RAMP AND BRIDGE
Across the street from the
It's unclear, however, what the best option would be for replacing the convention center parking structure and how much that would cost. The adjacent portion of
HOUSING
Under the mantra of production, preservation and protection, the 2019 city budget establishes a
Together with existing city and federal resources, that adds up to more than
To that end, the city is seeking matching state money for local housing trust funds, finance rehab of older housing in low and moderate-income census tracts, establish housing targeted to the long-term homeless, build more senior housing, replace 150 beds at the Minneapolis Veterans Home, and expand low-cost financing options to improve energy efficiency of existing homes.
COMMUNITY-FIRST PUBLIC SAFETY
The city supports efforts to allow felons who have been released from incarceration but are still on probation to vote.
The city's legislative requests include expunging non-violent marijuana-related drug offenses from criminal history, and dedicating new tax revenues toward education and community wealth building programs.
NEW AMERICANS
City officials support efforts to ensure all Minnesotans have access to driver's licenses, regardless of their citizenship status.
EMERGENCY RESPONDERS/COLLEGE SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
City officials are asking for state funding to help cover costs associated with filling temporary gaps created by firefighters who are called to military duty for training or combat.
And, they'd like financial support from the state to invest
TRANSIT
And, they'd like legislation allowing for tax increment financing to be used for "transit-oriented development," or new real estate along transit lines, as well as parks and open space.
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