Minnesota's New State Flag Unveiled

After months of debates and discussions, the State Emblems Redesign Commission has officially approved a new design for Minnesota's state flag. The design features a star to represent the state's motto "The Star of the North" and blue to symbolize Minnesota's abundant waterways. The flag, along with the state seal, will debut on Statehood Day next May. While the panel faced disagreements over certain design elements, the finalized design aims to reflect Minnesota's shared history. There has been a push for the change due to concerns about the current flag's resemblance to flags of other states and the imagery on the seal, which some find controversial. The legislature allocated a budget of $35,000 for the redesign, and the commission completed the task in four months. Some members of the commission have expressed reservations about the new design, and there are concerns about the inclusion of the Dakota word "Mni Sota Makoce" on the seal, which goes against the design rules set forth in state law. This has sparked discussions about potential challenges and controversies. Additionally, there are calls for the public to have a say in the matter, with suggestions to put the new symbols before voters on the ballot next year. However, the feasibility of such a measure is unclear, as the secretary of state's office has indicated that statewide votes are typically reserved for constitutional amendments. Overall, the unveiling of the new state flag marks a significant milestone in Minnesota's history, and it is hoped that the design will be embraced by all Minnesotans for generations to come.