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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dominica Bernstein, 651.297.8150
Dominica.Bernstein@house.mn.gov
News Release
Rep. Joe McDonald: “Legacy Bill Delivers Smart, Responsible Investments Minnesotans Can Be Proud Of”
ST. PAUL, MN — Last Friday, the Minnesota House passed the Legacy Finance omnibus bill with strong bipartisan support, and Representative Joe McDonald (R-Delano), Chair of the Legacy Finance Committee, is celebrating key Republican wins that prioritize transparency, accountability, and meaningful results for Minnesotans.
“We rolled up our sleeves and delivered a Legacy bill that truly honors what Minnesotans voted for,” said Rep. McDonald. “Clean water, vibrant arts, strong conservation efforts—that’s what the Legacy Amendment is all about. Not flashy earmarks or political favors.”
The bill includes targeted funding for clean water projects, habitat preservation, local parks, and arts and cultural programming—but this year, Republicans made sure those dollars are spent wisely.
Highlights include:
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Curbing Earmarks: Republicans led the charge to reduce direct earmarks, moving funding toward competitive grant programs where projects are vetted based on need, impact, and merit—not political connections.
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Arts Accountability Reforms: Two key reforms were adopted to improve oversight in Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund spending:
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Grantees must now submit IRS Form 990s, adding a critical layer of financial transparency.
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ACH funds can no longer be used for capital construction, keeping the focus on programming, access, and outcomes.
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Delivering for Greater Minnesota: The bill includes major investments in rural drinking water infrastructure and supports local control of water quality efforts, resisting new top-down mandates from St. Paul.
“We said goodbye to the era of rubber-stamped earmarks and hello to a smarter way of doing things,” McDonald added. “If you want Legacy dollars, you’ve got to show impact and accountability. That’s how we protect both our natural resources and taxpayer dollars.”
The Legacy bill now moves to the Senate for final approval.
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