Minnesota Legislature’s “Masters Moment” Meteorological spring is upon us in Minnesota and that means one thing: golf is on the minds of many – including city officials in Red Wing. A bill that would allow the City of Red Wing to sell its municipal golf course to a private developer is headed to a vote in the Minnesota Senate. The State of Minnesota donated the land where Mississippi National Golf Links sits and Red Wing has owned and managed the course for nearly 40 years. According to the Red Wing Republican Eagle, city officials say selling the course would save the city an average of $200,000 a year. In a time where local governments are challenged to do more with less, cutting non-essential services (like golf and municipal liquor stores, to name just a few) is a key step. The Freedom Foundation of Minnesota released a report in 2009 on municipal golf operations across the state and found that of the 500+ golf courses in the state, over 100 are city-owned courses. Unfortunately, many of these taxpayer-funded golf courses are costing citizens money and “teeing off on the taxpayer’s dime.” To review our Municipal Golf Operations report and our other research, visit our website:www.freedomfoundationmn.com. |
This week from Minnesota State News Republicans pass budget bills over DFL opposition; Dayton issues veto threat There was a theatrical feel in the air Monday as legislators took to the House and Senate floors to debate budget bills that are likely to face the governor’s veto pen. Republicans have spent weeks scrambling to meet budget targets that would reduce biennial spending from $39.1 billion to $34.2 billion. But hours before Senate lawmakers met to debate jobs and agriculture bills, Gov. Mark Dayton issued a letter to GOP leaders expressing concerns, noting some of the bills lacked fiscal notes and include policy items unrelated to the budget. Read more… —
|
Accountability Alert: Lake County Taxpayers Assume all the Risk While St. Louis County Residents Share the Rewards Recently called “perhaps the worst” stimulus project in the country, taxpayers from Lake County are well aware of the proposed $70 million broadband network, especially with potentially $60 million of their own money on the line. But another aspect of the already controversial project is St. Louis County’s involvement in the project. Though nearly 60 percent of the residents in the network’s proposed service area live in Lake County, the rest live in St. Louis County. The best part for these residents: no cost or risk, same broadband benefits. Read the entire report here. |
FFM in the news Last Sunday the Star Tribune published an op-ed by FFM CEO Annette Meeks on state gambling expansion proposals currently being debated in the legislature.. From racinos to slot machines in bars, some pro-gambling groups and legislators argue that gambling expansion is the best way to generate revenue to the state. But as we’ve seen in other states, it’s more complicated than collecting the “free money.” — |
FFM Summer internships available The Freedom Foundation of Minnesota is looking for part-time interns this summer to assist with research and communications projects. Interns will assist with FFM’s government transparency and accountability initiative, monitor cases of government waste and abuse, and help maintain the FFM website. Interested applicants should send a resume to FFM Development Director Christina Pajak or call 612-354-2160. |
