Sponsor: Communications & Public Relations
Title
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2021 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform
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Recommendation
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1. Approve the 2021 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform.
2. Authorize county representatives to work with members of the Minnesota Congressional Delegation 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 December 1, 2020 the Legislative Committee of the Whole met and reviewed a draft of the 2021 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 November 10th. The Legislative Committee of the Whole approved the proposed platform as presented and asked staff to incorporate changes based on the discussion around mental and behavioral health. Additionally, the 2021 Federal Legislative Platform draft includes Legislative Guiding Principles, Ramsey Funding and Policy Priorities, and a statement of support for platforms of the National Association of County Officials (NACO).
The Legislative Committee of the Whole recommends the draft of the Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platforms to be submitted to the County Board, as summarized below:
Racial and Health Equity
• Protect Basic Human Rights of Immigrants
• Affordable Care Act (ACA)
• ERA Ratification
• Medicaid Services Financing
Resiliency
• Covid-19 Relief Funds
• Land and Water Conservation Fund Act (LAWCON)
• Clean Water
• Recycling and Energy
• Mental Health
A Holistic Approach to Strengthening Families
• Social Services Block Grant funding (SSBG)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Families First
• Parenting Time Orders
Economic Competitiveness and Inclusion
• Riversedge Deck
• Passenger Rail
• Transportation Reauthorization
• Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act
Justice System Outcomes
• Firearm Regulation
• ICE Detention During COVID-19 Pandemic
Housing Stability
• Affordable and Stable Housing
• HOME Investment Partnership
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• Tax Incentives for the Development of Affordable Housing
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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 Federal 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 will 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 COVID-19 response, transportation and infrastructure funding, housing stability and affordability and mental health.
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. This work is on-going with policy advocates, other local government partners and Congressional staff. Additionally, by the time the Board considers this Federal Platform, Government Relations staff will have held virtual town hall meetings in early December to hear first-hand community testimony regarding issues of importance to Ramsey County communities, explain how to be involved in virtual sessions this year and answer questions. These meetings will be held for both staff on December 7th and the public on December 9th.
☒ Inform ☒ Consult ☒ Involve ☐ Collaborate ☐ Empower
Fiscal Impact
Many of 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 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 via a Request for Board Action; or 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. When the changes impact the next budget cycle, these are communicated to staff and the Board and brought forward in the budget process.
County Manager Comments
The Legislative Committee recommends the Federal Legislative Platform to the County Board. County Board action is required to establish legislative positions and priorities.
Last Previous Action
On December 15, 2020, the County Board tabled the approval of the 2021 Ramsey County Federal Legislative Platform.
On December 1, 2020, the Legislative Committee of the Whole discussed the Federal platform and recommended it to the County Board for adoption.
On November 10th, a County Board workshop was held on the Federal Legislative Platform.
Attachments
1. 2021 Federal Legislative Platform