10/18/2024 -- Minneapolis City Council Overrides Frey's Carbon Tax Veto

Government

Minneapolis City Council Overrides Mayor Frey’s Carbon Tax Veto

The Summary: The Minneapolis City Council voted 9-2 to override Mayor Jacob Frey’s veto of a new fee on carbon emissions. Frey supported the idea but raised legal concerns about charging fees before determining program costs, warning of potential lawsuits. In response, the council delayed the fee's start date to July 1, 2025, to allow time for a fee study.

Fee Proposal Details: Council Member Robin Wonsley initially proposed a $452 per ton fee on carbon emissions for the city’s top 36 polluters. The fee is based on data from the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, but this amount may change after the study.

Legal and Administrative Challenges: Frey and City Attorney Kristyn Anderson emphasized that fees must only cover program costs, and warned the council against premature implementation. The council pushed forward, stating adjustments can be made after further review.

Impact on Large Emitters: At the proposed rate, the largest carbon fee would be charged to Cordia Energy, Owens Corning, and the Hennepin County Energy Center, with annual costs estimated between $29,000 and $106,000.

St. Paul

St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter Won’t Implement Tax Hike To Pay For Childcare Subsidies Even if Voters Approve

The Summary: St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter stated that even if a property tax levy is approved by voters in November to pay for childcare subsidies, he won’t implement it. The measure would initially raise $2 million, scaling up to $20 million annually over ten years, totaling $110 million.

Mayor's Concerns: Mayor Carter argues that the program overpromises and lacks the necessary city infrastructure and staffing for implementation. Carter criticized the ballot's language, suggesting it misleadingly implies all low-income families will benefit when only a fraction will.

Council Member's Support: In contrast, Council Member Rebecca Noecker, a key supporter of the proposal, dismissed Carter’s concerns, asserting that voters understand the intent of the measure. She emphasized that while the program won't serve every family, it aims to alleviate the financial burden on some, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

Tax Implications: For homeowners, the proposal translates to an approximate tax increase of $15.91 in 2025, growing to about $160 annually over ten years for a median-priced home of $275,300.

Minneapolis

“Enough is Enough”: Minneapolis City Leaders Are Ready To Move Forward With 3rd Precinct Renovations

The Summary: Minneapolis city leaders are advancing plans to transform the 3rd Precinct building, which burned during the 2020 unrest, into a "democracy center." This would move the city's election services to the site, creating 8,000 square feet of community space as well. Surveys show significant community support for this proposal, although it faces some opposition from some City Council members.

City Council Pushback: Mayor Jacob Frey has emphasized the need to move forward with the plan, though some council members have raised concerns, preferring the space to serve entirely as a community center.

Timeline and Challenges: The project aims to be completed by 2029, when the city's lease for its current election services building expires. However, the proposal still needs final design plans and funding approval from the City Council.

Renovation Efforts: Some renovations on the 3rd Precinct building have already begun, with interior repairs underway. However, concerns remain about transforming the space to house election services, including the need for secure facilities to store equipment and train poll workers.

"It feels as though some of my colleagues are desperate for any object to 3000 Minnehaha and this has been going on for too long. Enough is enough." - Council Member Linea Palmisano

What Else We’re Reading…

Woodbury Substitute Teacher Reenacts George Floyd Murder

A substitute teacher, who is also a police officer, is under investigation for reenacting the actions that led to George Floyd’s death in a Woodbury High School classroom. The teacher allegedly twisted a student’s arm, made racially harmful comments, and told sexist jokes during four English class periods. Woodbury High School's principal condemned the behavior, and the teacher has been banned from district property. The teacher, employed by Prescott Police, has been placed on administrative leave, and both school and law enforcement officials are investigating the incident.

The full AP news story can be read here

A photo of the incident can be seen here

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Sports 🏀

Liberty Come Back From Being Down 14 Points To Take 2-1 Series Lead Over Lynx 🏀

The Summary: Sabrina Ionescu secured a crucial 80-77 victory for the New York Liberty over the Minnesota Lynx in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals with a 28-foot 3-pointer in the final second. This shot brings the Liberty one win away from their first-ever WNBA championship over the Minnesota Lynx.

Liberty's Comeback: The Liberty rallied after trailing by as many as 14 points with Breanna Stewart scoring 30 points and playing a pivotal role in the comeback. Minnesota shot just 38% from the field and missed crucial shots down the stretch.

Huge Crowd: The Lynx set a franchise record with 19,521 fans in attendance for game 3.

Up Next: The Lynx play in a must-win game 4 tonight at the Target Center. Tickets are still available here or the game can be watched on ESPN.

Other Sports:

⚾ The PWHL Frost set their schedule for the season and will be playing 30 games with their home opener on December 1st.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild defeated the St. Louis Blues 4-1 on Tuesday. The win improves their record to 2-0-2.

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ Minneapolis police applications are up 45% compared to 2023 (MPR)

❯ A high-ranking Minneapolis Police Department officer is sueing Liz Collin and Alpha News for defamation (Star Tribune)

❯ JD Vance stops by Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct during fundraiser visit (WCCO)

❯ Tim Walz to Make Debut Appearances on ‘The View’ and ‘The Daily Show’ (Variety)

❯ Six Twin Cities restaurants will be featured on Guy Fieri's 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives' (Bring Me The News)

The Final Word: Lynx in 5

The atmosphere at Wednesday’s Lynx game was absolutely electric and may have been one of the most fun Minnesota sports events I have ever been to — so much so that I bought tickets to game 4 as well. Time to rally!!

-Patrick