The people of Minnesota have long been represented by our state flag and seal. However, in only one session, Democrats decided to replace our current state emblems. Last year’s State Government Finance budget bill established a commission–consisting of 13 unelected individuals–that had the task of redesigning our state emblems for millions of Minnesotans. The Commission met for just a few months, and they rushed the process tremendously.

We should have ensured more opportunities for input from Minnesotans to guarantee widespread support, and the Minnesota Legislature should have had a greater role in this process and final say in the designs.

To address these concerns, I recently joined Republican legislators at a press conference to introduce legislation to allow for public input. This includes measures to give Minnesotans the final say, such as a binding referendum on the 2024 ballot.

In addition, the Commission chose a seal that violates a law prohibiting the use of symbols or styles that represent only one community–they decided to use the Dakota phrase, “Mni Sóta Makoce,” instead of the state’s official motto, “L’etoile du Nord.” Furthermore, the new seal design does not include the year 1858, which marks the founding of our great state. Thus, legislation is being introduced to add the year back to the seal and to remove the Dakota phrase.

Another issue is the cost of implementing the new emblems. Wright County Commissioners spoke to this issue and shared their sheriff’s office estimates that the cost to rebrand county sheriff badges, squad cars, and official documents would be $90,000. In total, the cost would be approximately $150,000 just for Wright County. Therefore, we have introduced legislation to help local governments pay for the cost of implementation.

We have until May 11, Statehood Day, before the new state flag will fly, unless we can block the Democrats’ path to implement the new flag. Republicans are doing all we can to try and save our beautiful and historic flag, and I encourage you to continue to make your voice heard!