DFL lawmakers proposed a bill to cut state aid to counties or cities that display any flag other than the new design certified by the State Emblems Redesign Commission. Several mayors—including Champlin's Ryan Sabas, Crosslake's Jackson Purfeerst, and North Branch's Kevin Schieber—condemned the measure as an overreach that punishes local decision-making and ignores constituents. The commission approved a new flag 11-1 in 2023 and it was adopted in 2024, but the redesign has itself faced criticism.
Minnesota Mayors Blast Proposal To Withhold State Aid Over Flag Choices
Several Minnesota cities have opted to either continue flying the original flag or reject the new flag.(Fox News)
Mayors across Minnesota are pushing back against a proposal from state lawmakers that would cut state aid to counties or cities that refuse to fly the state's newly adopted flag.
What The Bill Would Do
On Monday, members of the Minnesota Democratic-Farmer-Labor (DFL) Party introduced legislation to reduce state aid to any county or city that "flies or otherwise makes use of a state flag other than the design of the state flag as certified in the report of the State Emblems Redesign Commission." The proposal would target municipalities that choose to continue displaying the older, historic flag after the commission certified a replacement design.
Mayors Respond
Champlin Mayor Ryan Sabas, whose city council voted in February to display the historic 1893 flag, called the measure "absolutely ridiculous," saying it punishes local governments for acting on constituents' wishes. Sabas told Fox News Digital that Champlin's decision followed public discussion showing most residents supported returning to the original flag.
This is the Minnesota state flag that was replaced by one some say resembles the national flag of Somalia.
"The simple fact that they say they're going to withhold any kind of funding from a city is absolutely ridiculous. That's the people's money. That's the people's taxes," Sabas said.
Crosslake Mayor Jackson Purfeerst, a Republican, described the proposal as "insane" and "total government overreach," arguing that punishing local governments for a voluntary choice conflicts with Minnesota values of local control and fiscal responsibility.
North Branch Mayor Kevin Schieber, whose city chose not to fly the new flag, said the controversy has spotlighted residents who feel their voices were ignored during the redesign process and rejected claims that opposition is primarily motivated by racism.
Background On The Flag Change
The State Emblems Redesign Commission voted 11-1 in 2023 to approve a new flag design after critics said imagery on the long-standing 1893 flag was hurtful to Native Americans. The new design, officially adopted in 2024, features an eight-pointed star beside a navy blue shape intended to suggest Minnesota and a light-blue field representing the state's waters.
The new Minnesota flag was approved by the state in 2024.
The replacement has drawn additional criticism: some say it is an unsatisfying substitute for the original, and others have compared its appearance to the Somali national flag.
Political Fallout
Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth called the bill "dead on arrival," saying she would block legislation that defunds essential services such as police and fire over a city's flag decision. The bill's future remains uncertain amid criticism from municipal leaders and partisan disagreement at the state level.
Why It Matters: The dispute raises questions about local control, the role of state authorities in enforcing symbolic policy, and how government should respond when local communities dissent from statewide decisions.
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