Scrutinizing Minnesota's Pandemic Spending: A Closer Look at Governor Walz's Allocation of Federal Stimulus Funds

As Minnesota Governor Tim Walz's profile rises with his selection as Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic is coming under increased scrutiny. While his strict measures, such as mask mandates and social distancing rules, have drawn criticism, a deeper examination of how the state utilized its share of federal stimulus funds under the American Rescue Plan (ARP) also warrants attention.

Uncovering Questionable Pandemic Spending in Minnesota

Pandemic Response or Slush Fund?

A review of the Treasury Department's State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) database reveals that Minnesota's pandemic spending may have strayed beyond the intended scope of the ARP. While some allocations, such as funding for homeless shelters and the Minnesota Zoo, can be linked to the pandemic's impact, other line items raise eyebrows.The state used over .3 million to cover parking costs for state employees and visitors, million for a paid family leave feasibility study, and million for a statewide gun safety advertising campaign. Additionally, the Department of Corrections received over million in overtime pay, and two homeless shelters in the Twin Cities were allocated .8 million to cover ongoing costs.These expenditures, while potentially beneficial, do not appear to be directly related to pandemic recovery efforts, leading to questions about the state's priorities and the effective use of federal stimulus funds.

Subsidizing Non-Essential Services

Further scrutiny is warranted for some of the larger line items in Minnesota's ARP spending. The state distributed over million to the Minnesota Zoo and nearly .8 million to the Science Museum of Minnesota to cover operating and maintenance costs. While these institutions were undoubtedly impacted by the pandemic, the rationale for using federal taxpayer funds to support them is unclear, especially for individuals who may not reside in or visit Minnesota.Similarly, the 7,000 allocated for a "movie theater relief grant program" raises concerns about the appropriate use of pandemic recovery funds. While the entertainment industry faced significant challenges during the crisis, the decision to prioritize movie theaters over other more essential services or businesses deserves closer examination.

Efficiency or Opportunism?

The speed with which Minnesota obligated over 99% of its ARP stimulus allocation by September 2023 could be seen as a testament to Walz's administrative prowess. However, it may also suggest that the state viewed the federal funds as a windfall to be quickly spent, rather than a targeted response to the pandemic's impact.The lack of transparency and clear justification for some of the spending decisions raises questions about the state's priorities and the overall effectiveness of its pandemic response. As Walz's national profile grows, his handling of the ARP funds in Minnesota will likely come under increased scrutiny, with taxpayers and policymakers seeking a more accountable and strategic approach to the use of federal stimulus dollars.