SAINT PAUL, Minn. – DFL State Rep. Heather Keeler of Moorhead is among eight authors of a bill that would reduce local government aid by 10% to a county or city that “uses the incorrect state flag.”
If passed by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Tim Walz, this would go into effect beginning with local government aid payable in 2027.
The old flag, which was approved in 1983, showed a Native American man on a horse with farmer plowing a field with a river in the background.
Cities that have changed back to the old flag include Wadena, Crosslake, Babbit, Elk River, Champlin, Zumbrota and Inver Grove Heights.
“That bill is dead on arrival. There is no way this bill is moving through,” Minnesota Speaker of the House Lisa Demuth (R-Cold Spring) told WCCO TV. “To know that Democrats are trying to take funding away from our police and fire, from our cities, it’s ridiculous. We have real work that could help Minnesotans.”
In 2023, the Legislature passed a bill establishing the State Emblems Redesign Commission to redesign the state’s flag and seal. There were 13 members including those involved with state boards, Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon and three members of the public appointed by Governor Tim Walz.
