EXCERPT: “Local governments around the state could get a funding boost to the tune of $30.5 million a year if Gov. Tim Walz’s state budget gets a green light from the Minnesota Legislature. The DFL governor said Wednesday, Jan. 30, that he’d push to get the extra funds to help cities and towns pay for essential services like fixing streets and providing law enforcement services while keeping property taxes down. Walz also said his spending plan, set to be introduced next month, will include a ‘moonshot’ to bring broadband access to rural Minnesota in two years, add funds to maintain roads and bridges and a create a new mechanism for bringing dollars to schools in a more equitable way. It was the first time that the DFL governor spoke with local elected officials from around Greater Minnesota in a formal setting. And his comments elicited cheers from mayors, city councilors and planners from across the state.” FULLSTORY: http://bit.ly/2Wy4HU9
