Upper Midwest state lawmakers, lobbyists say federal coronavirus aid to states is 'harmful'
ST. PAUL — Ten state legislators from the Upper Midwest have signed a letter critical of a federal government "bailout" to states amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Published by the conservative interest group American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) on Tuesday, July 28, dozens of nationwide lawmakers, lobbyists and stakeholders have signed onto the letter. The letter says that a federal payout to states in Congress's next round of coronavirus aid "would be harmful to taxpayers, federalism, and ultimately the states themselves."
Five legislators from South Dakota, two from North Dakota, two from Minnesota and one from Wisconsin signed onto the letter, along with each of the four states' directors for Americans for Prosperity's state-level units. AFP is a Virginia-based libertarian lobbying group backed by Charles Koch and his later brother, David Koch.
Of the 10 total Upper Midwestern legislators, all Republicans, several hold prominent leadership positions in their respective Capitols: South Dakota's Rep. Lee Qualm is the state's House Majority Leader. Minnesota's Rep. Pat Garofalo is the Republican lead on the House's Ways and Means Committee, and Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer chairs the Senate's State Government and Election Finance Committee. North Dakota's Rep. Craig Headland is vice chairman of the House's Finance and Taxation Committee.
Read more: https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/news/government-and-politics/6601275-Upper-Midwest-state-lawmakers-lobbyists-say-federal-coronavirus-aid-to-states-is-harmful
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