Sponsor: County Manager's Office
Title
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2025 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the 2025 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform.
2. Authorize Ramsey County representatives to work with members of 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 November 5, 2024, the Legislative Committee of the Whole met and reviewed a draft of the 2025 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform, which had been prepared by the Government Relations staff. The draft contained earlier changes suggested by the members of the board at the County Board Workshop on October 15, 2024, as well as changes recommended by staff and requested by community partners. The Legislative Committee of the Whole approved the proposed platform as presented and asked staff to incorporate changes based on the discussion.
The Legislative Committee of the Whole recommends the draft of the Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform now submitted to the County Board.
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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 2025 State Legislative Platform were considered as part of the solicitation for proposed items and positions from service teams, departments and staff. Most of the proposed items have a 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 provide 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, mental and behavioral health systems and support, workforce supports, and community-centered criminal justice system reform.
Community Participation Level and Impact
Government Relations will share the 2025 Federal Legislative Platform with appropriate Ramsey County advisory committees. This platform will also be discussed with other county organizations and advocacy groups.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☐ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Many of the positions in the federal 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 federally-imposed maintenance of effort, a required local funding match, 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.
Last Previous Action
On November 5, 2024, the Ramsey County Legislative Committee of the Whole discussed and recommended that the 2025 Federal Legislative Platform be approved.
On October 15, 2024, a Ramsey County Board workshop was held on the 2025 Federal Legislative Platform.
Attachments
1. 2025 Federal Legislative Platform