Sponsor: Communications & Public Relations
Title
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2021 Ramsey County State Legislative Platform
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Recommendation
recommendation
1. Approve the 2021 Ramsey County State Legislative Platform.
2. Authorize 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
background
On November 10, 2020, the County Board held a workshop on the 2021 State Legislative Platform. Government Relations staff presented a proposed draft 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 has included in the latest draft suggested changes from the commissioners and further input from department leadership staff. The 2021 State Legislative Platform draft includes Legislative Guiding Principles, Ramsey Funding and Policy Priorities, Bonding Proposals and a statement of support for platforms of the named organizations.
The Legislative Committee of the Whole reviews the draft Ramsey County State Legislative Platform and recommends its submittal 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 of the 2021 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 attended several Ramsey County advisory committees and discussed the platform this summer and fall with other county organizations and advocacy groups. Additionally, department staff will hold town hall meetings in early December to hear first-hand community testimony regarding issues of importance to Ramsey County communities and explain how to be involved in virtual sessions this year.
☒ 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 Board through a Request for Board Action; 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.
County Manager Comments
The Legislative Committee of the Whole recommends the final State Legislative Platform to the County Board for approval. County Board action is required to establish legislative positions and priorities.
Last Previous Action
On November 10th, a County Board workshop was held on the State Legislative Platform
Attachments
1. 2021 State Legislative Platform