Minnesota cities are being threatened with a 10% cut to their local government aid if they choose to fly the state's former flag. That means less money for police, fire departments, and essential city services — all because of a dispute over a symbol.

Eight state lawmakers have introduced a bill that would penalize any city or county that flies a flag other than the one adopted in 2024. The State Capitol is currently the only place in Minnesota where the new flag is required by law. Yet this proposal would punish communities — and the residents who depend on them — for making a different choice.

Cities like Inver Grove Heights, Elk River, and Champlin have voted to fly the former flag after hearing from their own residents. Whether you prefer the new flag or the old one, cutting funding for local emergency services is not an appropriate response to a local decision about a symbol.

Republican House Speaker Lisa Demuth has called the bill "dead on arrival," saying it would effectively "take funding away from our police and fire." We agree. Local communities deserve the right to make decisions about the symbols they display without being financially punished by the state.

We are calling on the Minnesota Legislature to reject HF 5077 and protect local government funding. A disagreement over a flag should never come at the cost of the services Minnesotans rely on every day.