Police officers advocate for fewer cuts to cities

Minnesota State Capitol
Police officers and firefighters from St. Paul, Wilmar and Wadena held a press conference on Friday to say that cuts to local government could impact police and fire operations.
MPR Photo/Tom Weber

Police officers and rescue workers joined the mayors of St. Paul, Wadena and Willmar on Friday to ask legislators to minimize cuts to local government aid.

St. Paul firefighters and police officers who spoke at a news conference said state cuts to cities could lead to layoffs in their ranks. They say that outcome would mean more safety hazards for everyone.

State aid to cities and counties was cut by $110 million in December, and Gov. Tim Pawlenty has proposed cutting state aid to local governments even more in the upcoming budget cycle.

Pawlenty has said cities should be able to avoid cuts to public safety by targeting programs of lesser importance.

But St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says even things like public libraries can be a valuable resource for residents during difficult economic times.

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