Nearly 100 mayors in Minnesota have sent a letter to state lawmakers, criticizing the policies of Governor Tim Walz (D), including their enablement of the fraud scandal plaguing the state.
“Minnesotans watched an historic $18 billion surplus disappear in a single biennium, only to now face an updated projected $2.9 billion–$3 billion deficit in the 2028–29 biennium,” the letter says, adding, “Fraud, unchecked spending, and inconsistent fiscal management in St. Paul have trickled down to our cities—reducing our capacity to plan responsibly, maintain infrastructure, hire and retain employees, and sustain core services without overburdening local taxpayers.”
“There is a growing disconnect between state-level fiscal decisions and the strain they place on the cities we lead,” the letter adds. “When the state expands programs or shifts responsibilities without stable funding, it is our residents—families, seniors, businesses, and workers—who ultimately bear the cost.”
Head of the Senate State and Local Government Committee, Sen. Andrew Lang (R) said in response to the letter, “Governor Walz and Democrats passed unaffordable spending and tax increases along with unfunded mandates on the promise it would make life more affordable. In reality they just passed down the costs to local governments, schools, and small businesses, who in turn pass down costs to local taxpayers and consumers.”
“Minnesota Counties sounded the alarm early last session about the proposals to shift costs onto their budgets, so I’m not surprised that nearly 100 mayors across the state are raising their own concerns,” Lang explained. “This letter is a warning that we must reduce state spending, stop the massive fraud plaguing our state, and remove unnecessary mandates to keep life affordable for everyone.”
The letter comes as the House Oversight Committee is expanding its probe into allegations of widespread fraud in Minnesota, with Chairman James Comer (R-KY) sending letters to seven state officials, seeking their testimony on the matter.
