Sponsor: Communications & Public Relations
Title
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2022 Ramsey County State Legislative Platform
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the 2022 Ramsey County State Legislative Platform
2. Authorize Ramsey County representatives to work with members of the Legislature 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 November 16, 2021 the Legislative Committee of the Whole met and discussed the draft 2022 State Legislative Platform. The committee passed the draft platform after its discussion and direction to staff to strengthen certain positions around racial equity.
The Legislative Committee of the Whole meeting followed an October 12, 2021 Board Workshop during which Government Relations staff and Goff Public presented an analysis of the upcoming session and reviewed proposed draft platform items. Per standard practice, the 2022 State Legislative Platform includes Legislative Guiding Principles, Ramsey Funding and Policy Priorities, Bonding Proposals and a statement of support for platforms of the named organizations.
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County Goals (Check those advanced by Action)
☒ Well-being ☒ Prosperity ☒ Opportunity ☒ Accountability
Racial Equity Impact
The racial equity impacts of each item or position included in the draft of the 2022 State Legislative Platform were considered as part of the solicitation for proposed items and positions from service teams, departments and staff. Government Relations required that a form be completed for each proposed item, with a specific request for information regarding the impact of the proposed item on racial equity. Most of the proposed items have direct impact 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, stable housing, childcare subsidies, employment opportunities and program and service refinements designed to positively engage cultural values. These efforts are reflected in the proposed top legislative priorities of the platform draft, which include housing stability and affordability and addressing racial disparities.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Government Relations staff has given legislative updates and discussed the upcoming session with groups including the Citizen Advisory Council and the Charter Commission. Staff and commissioners have collaborated with other issue-coalition partners and legislators throughout the summer and fall in order to find common ground and gather input on the various proposals. The Legislative Committee plans to conduct town halls in January in advance of the legislative session to inform and involve more residents and staff in advance of the legislative session.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Many of positions in the state platform have financial implications and would require state and/or county appropriations if legislation is enacted. The platform items that require county expenditures may do so in the form of a state-imposed maintenance of effort, a required local funding match (which is common for bonding projects), or through a new or revised operating cost. When there are implications for the current budget, necessary budget adjustments can be brought before the Ramsey County Board through a Request for Board Action; through adjustment to the current fiscal county budget; or through changes to the Capital Improvement Plan, depending on the specifics of the funding change.
Government Relations staff will work with other Ramsey County staff and the other local government partners to maximize any funding opportunities through the American Rescue Plan or the latest federal Infrastructure bill that would advance the priorities or projects of the County.
County Manager Comments
No additional comments.
Last Previous Action
On November 16, the Legislative Committee of the Whole made a recommendation to pass the draft 2022 State Legislative Platform and directed staff to make some technical changes.
Attachments
1. 2022 State Legislative Platform