Governer Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan released their budget today, February 19th, 2019. The budget indicates that adequately replenishing the Disaster Assistance Contingency Account is a priority for this administration. Minnesota's disaster assistance contingency fund is critical to making it possible for the state to act quickly when disaster strikes. The Account allows the state to provide aid to local communities after a disaster in a predictable and timely way that makes it easier for the independent sector to effectively partner with government.
The released budget includes a $10 million transfer from the general fund for the remainder of fiscal year 2019 , as well as a $20 million appropriation for the 2020-2021 biennium. MCF supports replenishing the Account at this level and has already worked with its members to voice our support for the $10 million transfer for fiscal year 2019 [see letter attached with 10 member co-signers]. MCF will continue to monitor this at the legislature and alert members, particularly those that are part of MCF's Disaster Philanthropy Working Group, if there are additional opportunities to show our support. MCF supports development of a stronger state disaster response system.
