Sponsor: County Manager's Office
Title
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2026 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the 2026 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform and recommend its submittal to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
2. Authorize Ramsey County representatives to work with members of the U.S. Congress and other interested parties to promote legislation reflective of the positions contained in the platform.
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Background and Rationale
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On October 21, 2025, the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners held its second 2025 workshop on the 2026 State and Federal Legislative Platforms. Government Relations staff presented proposed draft platform items for discussion by the members of the board.
In preparation for the review of the proposed platform by the Legislative Committee of the Whole, Government Relations staff have included in the latest draft suggested changes from the commissioners and further input from departmental and organizational leadership. The 2026 Federal Legislative Platform draft includes Ramsey County policy and funding priorities and a statement of support for platforms of named organizations.
The Legislative Committee of the Whole reviews the draft 2026 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform and recommends its submittal to the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners is scheduled to vote on final approval on both the state and federal legislative platforms on November 18, 2025.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
Members of the Legislative Platform Advisory Teams, as well as Ramsey County leaders, considered the racial equity impacts of proposed legislative priorities as part of the input and review process. Most of the proposed items have direct impacts on racial equity, particularly those items that provide increased access to services or benefits specifically targeted to low-income individuals, families or communities, which disproportionately include more people of color and American Indians. These services or opportunities include improved access to health care, family support services, and stable housing.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Government Relations has met with appropriate Ramsey County advisory committees to share the platform development process and to gather input for the draft platform. Additionally, Government Relations continually engages with key stakeholder organizations and advocacy groups in the community.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Some positions in the federal platform may have financial implications that would require state and/or county appropriations if legislation were enacted. When there are implications for the current budget, necessary budget adjustments can be processed in accordance with administrative code and relevant board authorities; through adjustment to the current fiscal county budget; or through changes to the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), depending on the specifics of the funding change.
Last Previous Action
None.
Attachments
1. Presentation
2. Draft 2026 Federal Legislative Platform