Gov. Jesse Ventura has made the right decision in regards to local government aid.

Ventura said Friday governments in cities and counties will receive $544 million in LGA as scheduled Dec. 26.

Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty had asked Ventura to consider saving part of that money to help with the $4.56 billion deficit the state is currently facing.

But local governments found out about the extent of the state deficit months after they could legally raise their tax levies to compensate for any loss in LGA.

Pulling that money now could cripple local governments in cities across the state.

Austin was one of the cities worrying about whether it would need to cut spending to fund much-needed projects and positions. Instead, Austin will receive the $7.8 million it was slated to get.

But there's still a chance that funding could be cut if the legislature decides it needs to do so.

We hope the state realizes that cutting LGA will hurt cities' ability to operate and will let Ventura's decision stand.

The city, however, isn't taking any chances and has come up with ways it can tighten spending, said Tom Dankert, city finance director.

We're glad the city is still being cautious, but we hope, because of the governor's decision, it won't have to cut needed services.