The State proposal to balance its budget calls for a permanent cut to Minneapolis Local Government Aid by 47%, or about $80 million through 2004Local Government Aid, or LGA goes into the City's general fund, which is used to pay for basic services like police, fire and public works.
Minneapolis has already made significant cuts to its budget. In 2002, we cut the budget by $5.2 million. In January, the Mayor and Council approved a 5-year plan to further cut the budget by $55 million. A significant cut in LGA funds would unavoidably impact services like street repair and plowing and public safety.
To see the role Minneapolis plays in the state's economy - and grasp the full scope of such cuts, check out these facts: