DEPARTMENT: Communications and Public Affairs
FILE TYPE: Consent Action
TITLE
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Adoption Of 2026 Legislative Priorities And Updated Platform
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PURPOSE/ACTION REQUESTED
Adopt the 2026 legislative priorities and updated legislative platform.
SUMMARY
Dakota County's 2026 legislative priorities have been identified through staff input and General Government and Policy Committee discussion, along with updates to the county's legislative platform.
Staff is recommending the following policy priorities be adopted for 2026:
1. Human services modernization
* Solve immediate issues created by new federal requirements, reduce errors and fight fraud.
* Get on track to replace outdated, disparate systems with a modern system with centralized core functions.
2. Human services cost shifts
* The State of Minnesota should absorb SNAP federal cost shifts.
3. Housing support operations management allocation
* Allow provider agencies, including counties, to set aside a portion of Housing Support funds to pay for their administrative work.
4. Crisis mental health services
* The legislature should create a long-term funding plan to ensure sustainability of the mental health system in Minnesota.
* While a long-term funding is being developed, the legislature should provide a direct appropriation to Dakota County to support and expand its existing, critical services.
Also, staff is recommending the following capital projects be adopted as priorities for 2026:
1. County Road 50 and Interstate 35 interchange
* County Road 50 safety and pedestrian improvements
* Transportation improvements for construction detour
2. Lebanon Hills & Lake Byllesby campground buildings and beach house replacement
3. County Road 46 expansion from Trunk Highway 3 to Trunk Highway 52
In addition, staff has revised the platform document following committee review and discussion. Revisions proposed during GGP meetings in August, September and October 2025 are shown in an attachment. A version of the ...
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