By Rich Larson, News Director
As the trial of Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd gets underway, Governor Tim Walz is still looking for money from the state legislature to
provide extra security in Minneapolis. A bill died in the House of Representatives due to both lack of Republican support and support from the progressive wing of the DFL. State Senator Rich Draheim said the Senate did pass the companion bill to the failed effort in the House, and there is now another bill that is under consideration by the Senate.
Draheim said, however, a new Republican complaint with regard to the governor’s money request is where the money should come from. The Senator said last year Governor Walz appropriated money from a fund designated for natural disasters to pay for the extra security necessary during the riots in Minneapolis. Senator Draheim said it is his opinion, as well as the opinion of his party, that what the governor did was wrong.
“You can’t take money out of there. That’s not what this was intended for. This is not a proper use for this money. We will need that money. In the 6 or 7 years since that account has been set up, we’ve used it 53 times. So, it’s worked, and it’s helped small communities like Northfield.”
Senator Draheim said another hang-up is the inability of the members of the DFL to agree on how much police reform should be in a public safety bill such as this one. With so many moving parts, and no real agreement between at least three factions in the legislature, it is unlikely any money will be approved. Senator Draheim said, however, that they will continue to talk to find a solution.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Senator Rich Draheim can be heard here
Malecha wants to complete Mill Towns Trail between Faribault and Dundas
Rice County Commissioner Galen Malecha is the chair of the Mill Towns Trail joint powers board this year and he said his goal is to purchase the land that would allow the trail to connect Dundas to Faribault.
As Dakota County continues to work on the trail in the Randolph and Lake Byllesbee area, Commissioner Malecha said it’s time to acquire the land needed to finish the Northfield-Dundas-Faribault section. The DNR acquired six miles of land from the Canadian Pacific Railroad between Dundas and Faribault in 2016, but there are still three miles left to acquire before the trail connects with the portion in Faribault that then connects with the Sakatah Trail. Commissioner Malecha said that acquisition is his focus as board chair.
“My big push this year is to get that last three miles of property purchased. We’re working closely with the DNR and the property owners – I am working with them – on trying to get that taken care of this year.”
Once the land is purchased, Malecha said, the county will work with the DNR for funding to actually build the trail itself. Once the Mill Towns Trail is completely finished, it will connect with the Sakatah Singing Hills Trail to the West and the Cannon Valley trail to the East, creating a path that stretches from Mankato to Red Wing.
Jeff Johnson’s full conversation with Commissioner Galen Malecha can be heard here
SEMAC now taking grant application
The South East Minnesota Arts Council announced yesterday that it is now accepting proposals for several different types of grants.
Proposals for arts programming by non-profit organizations are now being accepted. All proposed projects must begin no earlier than June 1, 2021 and be completed within twelve months, culminating with a capstone event that is that is accessible and open to the public.
Additionally, SEMAC is offering grants in the amount of $3000 for Arts organizations in the categories of Presenter or Production Assistance and Small Towns or Rural areas. And Arts and Cultural Heritage Grants in the amount of $6000 are available to arts or equity organizations to offer programming either in person or virtually as conditions permit. Arts organizations may apply for one of these grants, but not for both.
And individuals may apply for pandemic relief grants of $1500 for working artists and culture bearers who can demonstrate a loss of essential artistic income due to the pandemic.
All organizational applications are due by April 1, while grants for individuals are due by March 31. For more information visit the SEMAC website at www.semac.org
