The group said changes need to happen to include the voice of the people, avoid legal action, and support local governments with replacement cost

ST. PAUL – Sen. Eric Lucero (R-Saint Michael) is among a group of State Senators and Representatives chief authoring a series of bills that would increase the voice of the people and bring the state emblems in line with the law and allow input from the public. A press conference was held Tuesday announcing the legislation.

In 2023, the Democrat majority created a State Emblems Commission to design a new state flag and state seal which prevented direct input from Minnesotans as to the selection of new emblems. Moreover, the selection process bypassed final design approval of state legislators. Polling released by KSTP after the flag’s adoption indicated less than one-quarter of Minnesotans want to use the new flag. About half of those surveyed want to keep the state’s old flag.

“The Democrat majority deliberately cut the voices of Minnesotans out of the emblem selection process,” said State Sen. Lucero. “Recent polling reinforces the overwhelming communications I’ve received from people across our state not happy with the process or the final selection.”

Wright County Commissioners Tina Diedrick and Nadine Schoen also participated in the press conference. 

Commissioner Diedrick highlighted the cost taxpayers of local units of government will be forced to pay replace the old state and seal. “The costs extend far beyond just flag replacements,” Commissioner Diedrick said. “Our newly constructed judicial center features the original seal, and will cost $50,000 to replace, in addition to the nine courtrooms. Our sheriff’s office estimates the cost to rebrand county sheriff badges, squad cars, and official documents would be $90,000.” In total, Diedrick said the cost would be approximately $150,000 just to Wright County.

Nearly 40 local government units have adopted resolutions opposing the use of the new emblems.

“Thirteen unelected people speaking for 5.7 million Minnesotans was a terrible decision and the reason I’m supporting the proposed bills to highlight the importance of the people’s voice,” Sen. Lucero said.

The new seal and flag will be adopted by law on May 11, 2024, Minnesota’s Statehood Day, if the legislature fails to act.