Tue Dec 23 07:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the text:

Minnesota Mayors Sound Alarm Over Fiscal Policies, Warn of “Disappearing” Surplus and Rising Costs

St. Paul, MN – Nearly 100 Minnesota mayors have penned a letter to state lawmakers and Governor Tim Walz, expressing deep concern over the state’s fiscal management and its impact on local communities. The mayors warn that the state’s policies are contributing to workforce shortages, slowed business investment, rising operational costs, and families leaving the state.

The letter highlights a rapidly dwindling $18 billion surplus and a projected $2.9 to $3 billion deficit for the 2028-29 biennium. The mayors claim “Fraud, unchecked spending, and inconsistent fiscal management in St. Paul have trickled down to our cities” which results in hindering their ability to maintain infrastructure, retain employees, and sustain core services without overburdening local taxpayers

They also point to potential property tax increases stemming from unfunded state mandates in areas like schools, health and human services, and public safety.

“There is a growing disconnect between state-level fiscal decisions and the strain they place on the cities we lead,” the letter states.

Republican lawmakers are placing blame squarely on Walz and the Democrats. State Sen. Andrew Lang, Lead on the Senate State and Local Government Committee, stated that Governor Walz and Democrats passed unaffordable spending and tax increases along with unfunded mandates, shifting costs to local governments, schools, and small businesses, who in turn pass costs to local taxpayers and consumers.

The mayors called on the state to prioritize responsible fiscal management and to cease “taxing our families, seniors, and businesses out of Minnesota.” They emphasized that state funds belong to the people of Minnesota, not the state capitol.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Governor Walz’s office for comment.

Read More