HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution 8151 RESOLUTION NO. 8151
CITY OF MOUNDS VIEW
COUNTY OF RAMSEY
STATE OF MINNESOTA
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SHIFTING OF FEDERAL FUNDING PRIORITIES
FROM WASTEFUL PENTAGON SPENDING TO MEETING THE ESSENTIAL NEEDS
OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Whereas, in 2011, Minnesota government was shut down over disputes as to
how to address a $5 billion two-year budget shortfall; and
Whereas, in 2013, the Minnesota State Budget shortfall was $627 million; and
Whereas, this resolution does not seek to cut the Veterans Administration
budget, which is separate from the Pentagon budget, as our nation has a responsibility
to provide veterans with quality medical and health care services and other supportive
programs, including opportunities for training, education, and meaningful jobs; and
Whereas, many small towns, cities and rural communities in Minnesota are
managing austerity budgets, and/or laying off staff, and/or cutting back essential
services in response to cuts in state aid (LGA) and/or federal cuts to Community
Development Block Grants (CDBG); and
Whereas, Minnesota taxpayer spending for war far exceeds the state's budget
deficits; Minnesotans were committed to spend more than $26 billion to fund the Iraq
and Afghan wars since 2001, with most of these costs having been added to the
national debt; and
Whereas, in addition to these two costly wars, Minnesota taxpayers spent more
than $16 billion in 2012 for our share of the base Pentagon budget, a budget that
increased from $290.5 billion to $526 billion between 2000 and 2011; and
Whereas, Mounds View taxpayers have spent approximately $24.39 million (or
approximately $2000 per person) for the base Pentagon budget in 2012; and
Whereas, in 2012, approximately 59 cents of every dollar of federal discretionary
spending is funding Pentagon spending; and
Whereas, The United States Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution at its
2011 annual meeting, "Calling on Congress to Redirect Military Spending to Domestic
Needs"; and
Whereas, our nation desperately needs to better balance its approach to
security by going beyond military defense to include the economic, social, and
environmental needs of our communities, state, and nation.
Resolution 8151
Page 2
Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Mounds View City Council calls on the
Minnesota Congressional Delegation and the President of the United States to support
shifting federal funding priorities from wasteful pentagon spending to meeting the
essential needs of our local communities.
Adopted this 23rd day of September, 2013.
e Flaherty, Mayo
ATTEST:
James Ericson, City Administrator
(seal)