Federal budget cut fears ripple, but Eden Prairie impact appears limited

Amid the uproar over “Signalgate,” few issues have generated more concern in recent weeks than the sweeping federal budget and workforce cuts proposed by the Trump administration.

Whether it’s Social Security, farm subsidies, Pell Grants or the Voice of America, the actions of President Donald Trump – and Elon Musk, whom some critics have dubbed the administration’s “hatchet man” for his role in leading proposed federal cuts – have drawn widespread attention across the country.

That attention has trickled down to state and local governments.

In Eden Prairie, however, city and school officials report few immediate concerns about direct federal cuts.

“There are a few projects that affect our city through federal funding reimbursements,” said City Manager Rick Getschow.

One example: $128,580 in federal funding was allocated to install an EV fast charger outside City Center.

“The project is complete, and we submitted the documentation for reimbursement on Dec. 20, 2024. We’ve had no communication back since,” Getschow said.

Federal tax credits could also be affected, he noted.

“Federal tax credits for both of the city’s upcoming solar projects – at Fire Station No. 1 and Den Road Liquor (one of three municipal liquor stores) – would be negatively impacted if the 30% federal direct pay tax credit is rescinded,” Getschow said. “We are still receiving state grants to cover a portion of these solar arrays. However, we’ve been told if we complete the projects in 2025, which is the plan, we should still receive our credits before they’re rescinded.”

The term “solar arrays” refers to the rooftop systems of solar panels planned for both sites.

Grace Becker, a spokesperson for the Eden Prairie School District, said the district is closely monitoring the situation.

“Like all other school districts, we are staying updated on the changing federal landscape through our state education department and leadership organizations,” she said. “We are not speculating on potential impacts and will respond as actual impacts arise. Currently, we have not experienced major funding changes, since most of our financial support comes from the state and local levies, and there have been no major changes to federal funding.”

State concerns grow over education, nutrition

State Sen. Steve Cwodzinski (DFL-49, Eden Prairie) said his office has fielded a steady stream of messages expressing concern about proposed federal cuts.

“A lot of them have been about education,” he said. “Others have focused on nutrition programs and park services, such as cuts to park ranger staffing.”

Cwodzinski noted that about 10% of public education funding in Minnesota comes from federal dollars.

“People seem concerned specifically about cuts to special education and nutrition programs,” he said.

Still, there’s only so much state legislators can do.

“I’d encourage my constituents to contact their federal representatives in Congress,” he said.

Those would be U.S. Sens. Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and U.S. Rep. Kelly Morrison, who represents Minnesota’s 3rd Congressional District, including Eden Prairie and other west metro communities.