Board makes a stand on issues

By Brenda Erdahl

The 2024 legislative session is in its third week and Wright County Commissioners have decided they won’t stay quiet when it comes to certain proposed legislation.

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, at their regular meeting, commissioners approved writing a letter opposing the North STAR Act and to not spend any money replacing flags or seals with the new design at this time.

Commissioners acted on the recommendations of a February 13th workshop where the issues were discussed in depth. According to the workshop minutes, McLeod County recently passed a resolution opposing the North STAR Act which would protect immigrants in the state by prohibiting state and local law enforcement from using state resources for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement, including sharing data or accepting federal funds that would require such cooperation. It would not prohibit collaboration based on investigating criminal activity.

Multiple states including Illinois, Oregon, Vermont, New York, Colorado, Washington and California have passed similar laws.

McLeod County called a special session on Feb. 10 to approve the resolution which identified the fiscal impact on Minnesota counties among other things if the bill was passed.

According to the workshop minutes, Commissioner Michael Kaczmarek reported he has been contacted by constituents in favor of the McLeod County resolution. Commissioner Tina Deidrick proposed sending a letter to Wright County’s state legislators similarly opposing the proposed act.

It also came to light at the February workshop that Wright County does not have a budget to replace flags and seals with the new design in the Justice Center. Since it’s still early in the legislative session and the bill may be subject to many changes, the board agreed the county should not spend money on the new flag or seals. Nor is replacing the flag and seal with the new design required by statute at this time.

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