Minnesota’s decision to redesign its state flag and seal is set to cost state agencies and local governments millions of dollars, with no additional funding allocated to cover the expense.
In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed a law establishing a commission to create the new state symbols, allocating $35,000 for the design phase.
But the actual cost of replacing flags, uniforms, and signs now falls on state agencies and municipal governments, creating significant expenses across the state.
DOC redesign price tag over $2 million
Alpha News has learned that the Department of Corrections (DOC) is looking at a $2.1 million bill to replace uniform patches featuring the state seal. The DOC spent an additional $10,000 to replace the state flag.
“Replacement of the state seal is estimated to ultimately cost the Department of Corrections approximately $2.1 million. The bulk of the cost derives from uniform replacement because the state seal is on every uniform patch. The agency does not intend to replace all uniforms at once, but rather make the change through attrition and when new uniform orders are placed,” a DOC spokesperson confirmed.
Counties and police agencies are also expected to face significant costs from the redesign. Here’s a sample of some of the estimated costs:
- Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office: $500,000
- Dakota County: $170,000
- St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office: $50,000
- Benton County Sheriff’s Office: $50,000
- Fillmore County: $35,000
- Wright County: $150,000
- Houston County Sheriff’s Office: $32,000
Additionally, after the legislature approved the redesign process, the Minnesota State Patrol decided to create its own new logo. According to a blog on the Department of Public Safety website, the agency is expected to spend $4 million over the next six to nine months to update more than 188,000 pieces of equipment, including squad cars, badges, license plates, uniforms, hats, and signage.
Walz defends redesign, cites state’s diversity
The redesign officially became Minnesota’s new flag and seal on May 11, 2024.
Gov. Tim Walz, a strong supporter of the change, defended the decision in a Twin Cities radio interview, stating, “Minnesota is a diverse state, it continues to grow. This flag was crafted in the 1890s. It’s highly offensive to a large number of people, and there’s very little debate about that.”
The previous flag, in use since 1957, featured the state seal on a blue background and had been criticized for its similarity to other state flags and for allegedly containing offensive imagery.
New seal raises legal concerns
Beyond the financial impact, the new state seal has raised concerns over its legal compliance. The seal prominently features the Dakota phrase “Mni Sóta Makoce,” meaning “Land of the sky-tinted water,” despite state law prohibiting designs that represent only a single community.
The statute governing the emblems commission clearly states, “Symbols, emblems, or likenesses that represent only a single community or person … may not be included in a design.”
Rep. Bjorn Olson, R-Fairmont, raised legal concerns during commission discussions, warning that including the Dakota phrase could lead to a lawsuit. Despite these warnings, the commission approved the seal design with the phrase intact.
Additionally, the new seal omits Minnesota’s official motto, “L’etoile du Nord” (“The Star of the North”), and the state’s founding year, 1858, which were previously included in the original seal.
Jenna Gloeb
Jenna Gloeb is an Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, media producer, public speaker, and screenwriter. Most recently, she worked as a reporter and on-air host for CCX Media. Jenna is a Minnesota native and resides in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, daughter, and two dogs.
