Fresh pencils for back to school, shorter days, bright red maples – these are a few of the classic harbingers of… Continue reading State budget process kicks off amid unusual uncertainty
Author: Betsy Hammer
Policy Advocate (former),
Minnesota Budget Project
New data confirm states need more federal Medicaid support
What does a global pandemic plus a severe economic recession equal? More people who need affordable health care. We’re seeing data… Continue reading New data confirm states need more federal Medicaid support
Bonnie Tyler wasn’t wrong: We need a HERO
The HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act proposal is a needed Congressional effort to address the ongoing… Continue reading Bonnie Tyler wasn’t wrong: We need a HERO
Special session victory: common-sense approaches reduce barriers during pandemic
Common-sense measures to remove barriers to health care, food support, and other needed services will continue, thanks to legislation passed in the June special legislative session.
Increased Medicaid funding to states protects health care, critical services
While they have taken some preliminary steps, federal decision-makers should further boost the Medicaid dollars it sends to states, make that increase last until the economy recovers, and maintain strong requirements to protect health care coverage.
April economic changes bring May budget projections
The novel coronavirus pandemic is having a significant effect on Minnesotans’ physical and mental health of Minnesotans. Unprecedented businesses closures… Continue reading April economic changes bring May budget projections
Minnesota Legislature takes additional action on COVID-19
Minnesotans are collectively facing an unprecedented global pandemic and a statewide stay-in-place order to help stem the spread of COVID-19. The Minnesota Legislature approved additional health… Continue reading Minnesota Legislature takes additional action on COVID-19
Governor Walz’s supplemental budget request focuses on pandemic response
Governor Tim Walz rolled out a revised supplemental budget proposal on March 22 that includes an additional $356 million to fund the state response… Continue reading Governor Walz’s supplemental budget request focuses on pandemic response
Policymakers must act to prevent economic hardship, deep recession
The corona virus is creating a public health emergency and economic disruption. Policymakers should act to alleviate financial hardship and reduce the threat of a deep recession.
High rankings on health outcomes mask distressing racial disparities
Minnesota’s overall high rank among states for various health outcomes masks worst-in-the-nation disparities. We must focus on addressing racial disparities and improving health equity to make Minnesota a state where everyone can live their healthiest lives.