With Mankato and New Ulm in line for public safety funding in Gov. Tim Walz’s proposed budget, city leader from the two communities met with him Tuesday to outline their needs.
The roundtable discussion at New Ulm’s fire station touched on the need for local control over how funds are used, along with the importance of more mental health resources and staffing for local police and fire departments.
Walz’s budget proposes a $300 million investment in public safety over three years. Mankato and New Ulm would stand to gain about $763,000 and $242,000 annually for three years, if Walz’s budget was approved.
The governor told the group he’d use their feedback on public safety needs, including the benefits of local control over funding usage, in his budget discussions with the Minnesota Legislature.