I know many of you are facing deadly budget cuts - I've been analyzing them.
I've also spoken to some long time neighbors (in SENA) about their impression
and understanding of the work you do. It seems to me that many are unaware - or
forgive me, frankly not invested in - of your role in our communities. I admit
I've been one trying to understand exactly that.
It seems to me that with the forced closures of our precious, neighborhood
making, neighbor-employing small businesses, the Neighborhood Associations are
presented with a chance to shine.
A local chef/business owner has started a petition for immediate tax relief to
Gov Walz (below). Can't we as communities do more? It seems to me, unless we
want to see a mass flipping of local and indie into corporate and cookie
cutter, much more must be done.
The state projects a $1.513 billion dollar surplus for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
How better to spend it than by protecting people thrown out of work en masse,
through no fault of their own? I propose a "jubilee" for small business owners,
home owners, etc, In most cases they have spent decades paying into the coffers
of government. It is time to give some of it back.
If any reading this are interested in this conversation, I welcome hearing from
you. I am ill and housebound as I type, and will be calling small businesses
tomorrow. Petition here:
https://www.change.org/p/tim-walz-provide-relief-for-mn-s-small-businesses?signed=true
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Lindsay
26th Ave S, Standish Neighborhood