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Hello from the State Capitol,

 

Should state government penalize communities who choose not to fly the new version of the Minnesota state flag?

 

A bill authored by Minnesota House Democrats would do just that by reducing state funding to any city or county that refuses to recognize the 2024 adaptation.

 

This heavy-handed approach goes too far. The selection process for the current flag was poorly handled. Not all sides were considered during the committee selection process, and the public could not weigh in on what they thought the flag should look like.

 

The proposed legislation would require state government to reduce a county’s or city’s government aid by 10 percent if that locality flies any flag other than the new flag. Current Minnesota law does not require local governments to fly the official Minnesota state flag.

 

In 2023, when they had complete control of state government, Democrats established a 13-member commission to redesign Minnesota’s state flag and seal. The handpicked commission later introduced new designs for both. However, these designs were never formally approved by voters or the state legislature. Instead, the law that created the commission specified that its final flag selection would automatically take effect as the official state flag.

 

Recently, numerous city councils in both rural Minnesota and the Metro Area have voted to continue flying the 1983 version of the state flag on city property after hearing input from residents. Many other Greater Minnesota communities just decided, without fanfare, not to switch to the new flag at all.

 

Like it or not, the previous version of the Minnesota flag represents our history, and many people want to recognize our history. We talk a lot about local control and freedom at the Capitol, and this bill would restrict both goals. State government should not be forcing local governments to face financial punishments for choosing to fly an older version of the state flag.

 

Have a good weekend,

 

Paul






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