State Sen. Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, has been given the 2010 Legislator of Distinction Award by the League of Minnesota Cities for his efforts to soften cuts in state financial aid to city governments.
Bakk was recognized for his leadership in minimizing the 2010 and 2011 aid and credit cuts to cities and preventing the extension of levy limits.
The award is given out annually by the League, which represents 800 cities across Minnesota.
"In recent years, the state has continued to shift a greater burden on local governments in order to balance the state budget," Bakk said in announcing the award. "While state support for core government services like education, transportation, and public safety has diminished, local governments have been forced to pick up a bigger share of the tab. As a legislator, I will continue to fight to stabilize the state and local fiscal relationship, and resist efforts to balance the state's budget through property taxes."
