12/13/2024 -- St. Paul and Minneapolis Budget Debates

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Government

St. Paul and Minneapolis City Councils Clash with Mayors Over Budget Decisions

Minneapolis

City Council Overrides Veto: The Minneapolis City Council has overridden Mayor Jacob Frey's veto of the 2025 budget. The council approved a $1.9 billion budget that includes a 6.8% property tax levy increase, which is lower than the mayor's proposed 8.1%. Frey criticized the budget for adding $6.53 million in new spending calling it "reckless and irresponsible."

Budget Priorities and Controversies: The council's budget includes funding for various initiatives, such as housing services for unsheltered families and support for homeless prevention programs. While some council members argued that these changes reflect community needs, others expressed concerns about potential long-term impacts on city services and fiscal responsibility.

St. Paul

City Council Passes Budget: The St. Paul City Council approved a $415 million 2025 budget with a 5.9% property tax levy increase, rejecting Mayor Melvin Carter's proposed 7.9% increase. The council cited rising property taxes as the driving force behind the decision.

Cuts to Police and Other Adjustments: Key reductions in the council's budget include a $1.2 million cut to police overtime spending. The budget reallocates funds from unfilled positions and unused departmental budgets to cover costs without further tax increases.

Crime

Suspect Charged With Murder Of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Suspect Identification: Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old Ivy League graduate, has been charged with second-degree murder in the shooting of Brian Thompson. Mangione was arrested at a McDonald's in Altoona, Pennsylvania, after a customer recognized him.

Evidence Collection: Investigators have linked Mangione to the crime scene through forensic evidence, including a firearm that matches shell casings found at the scene and fingerprints on items near where Thompson was shot.

The Manifesto: Also found during evidence collection was a short manifesto written ny Mangione which spoke of his disdain for the American healthcare system and UHC.

Public Reaction: The murder has sparked significant public discourse, with many expressing frustration over corporate greed and the healthcare system.

Legal Proceedings: Mangione's attorney has stated that his client intends to plead not guilty and wants to examine the evidence against him. The Manhattan District Attorney has indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as the case develops.

Housing

Minneapolis Invests $18.5 Million in Affordable Housing 🏠

The Summary: Minneapolis is making a significant investment in affordable housing by allocating nearly $18.5 million to various projects across the city. This funding, provided through the Affordable Housing Trust Fund will support both new construction and the refurbishment of existing properties.

Project Selection and Distribution: Out of 25 applications that collectively requested over $42 million, 11 projects were selected to receive funding. The chosen projects span multiple wards and include a mix of new construction, rehabilitation efforts, and mixed-use developments.

Key Project Details: The investment will help create or preserve a total of 803 rental housing units throughout the city. The focus areas for these projects include supportive housing for seniors living with HIV/AIDS, accommodations for homeless youth, and housing options for individuals at risk of homelessness.

What Else We’re Reading…

FBI agents raid autism treatment centers in Minneapolis

FBI agents raided autism treatment centers in Minneapolis as part of a major investigation into alleged Medicaid fraud. The search warrant alleges that Smart Therapy in Minneapolis received millions in Medicaid reimbursements for services they never provided and for employees with little to no training. The investigation appears to have connections to the Feeding Our Future fraud case, with some defendants from that case also involved in autism clinics and other healthcare companies.

Read the full story on MPR

GAME: Three Headlines and a Lie

The game is simple — there are three real headlines and one fake headline. Can you spot the fraud?

❯ The top name for dogs and cats in Minneapolis for 2024 was Luna (Source)

❯ Mysterious flashing lights have been reported in the sky in Northfield (Source)

❯ Minneapolis launches pilot program to test heated sidewalks in downtown this winter (source)

❯ St. Louis Park and Golden Valley tourist agencies have rebranded as 'Westopolis’ (Source)

Sports 🏒

🏀 The Gopher Women’s Basketball team improved to 11-1 on the season after defeating Jackson State in convincing fashion.

🏀 The Gopher Men’s Basketball lost a tough game on the road to Indiana. They fall to 0-2 in Big 10 play to open their conference schedule.

🏒 The Minnesota Wild were blown out by the Edmonton Oilers by a score of 7-1.

🏀 The Minnesota Lynx lost Cecilia Zandalasini to Valkyries in the WNBA expansion draft

Quick hits

Headlines From Around The Twin Cities ✔

❯ A bit of an odd moment occurred at a recent Minneapolis City Council meeting when LaTrisha Vetaw was trying to honor police horses that were defunded (X)

❯ Anoka County schools are facing pressure from conservative groups (Fox9)

❯ Minnesota had a record year for tourism in 2023 according to a new report (Kare11)

❯ Minnesota’s Attorney General is taking on a big gun manufacturer in court (Kare11)

❯ UHC CEO told employees in a recorded video that the organization will continue to guard against “unnecessary care.” (Bring Me The News)

The Final Word: Name that snowplow

A treasured Minnesota tradition is back this year. For the fifth year, the MN DOT is putting on their “Name a Snowplow” contest where anyone and everyone can submit their most clever snowplow names. Good luck!

-Patrick