Post
Minnesota college students increasingly facing basic economic, mental health challenges
November 9, 2022 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
No student should have to go hungry or worry about having stable housing. But Minnesota’s college students are increasingly finding… Continue reading Minnesota college students increasingly facing basic economic, mental health challenges
Post
Today’s high inflation highlights longer-term trend of wages not keeping up with cost of living
October 31, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
While corporations are experiencing the largest profit margins in 70 years, this isn’t being reflected in what Minnesota workers are… Continue reading Today’s high inflation highlights longer-term trend of wages not keeping up with cost of living
Post
Roe reversal strips basic decision-making, economic security from millions of people
July 28, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Currently abortions are legal and protected in Minnesota under the state’s constitution. But many people across the country, including in our neighboring states, cannot access their full reproductive and health care rights or may have to travel and undergo significant costs and strains to do so.
Post
Minnesota Legislature passes bill on Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, frontline worker payments
May 19, 2022 • Joo Ning Lim
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
After months of negotiation, the Minnesota Legislature recently passed legislation that addressed three major issues of this session: Senate File… Continue reading Minnesota Legislature passes bill on Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund, frontline worker payments
Post
Federal tax reforms are an essential piece of building a better future
October 6, 2021 • Nan Madden
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Federal policymakers are in the midst of an essential and high stakes debate about the future of our country. More… Continue reading Federal tax reforms are an essential piece of building a better future
Post
Unemployment Insurance supports workers, not a major cause of labor shortages
September 22, 2021 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
To keep workers across the nation safe from infection with COVID-19 and stabilize household incomes, in March 2020 Congress expanded… Continue reading Unemployment Insurance supports workers, not a major cause of labor shortages
Post
Federal policy action protected health, economic well-being during pandemic
September 22, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Federal COVID-19 relief actions reduced hardship during the pandemic and the dramatic economic disruption it caused in 2020, according to… Continue reading Federal policy action protected health, economic well-being during pandemic
Post
Dear Congress: It’s time to pass historic investments
September 21, 2021 • Laura Mortenson
Child Care, Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
If Congress makes the right choices, recovery legislation could lead to historic reductions in economic and racial inequality in Minnesota and across the country.
Post
A brief rundown on the expanded Child Tax Credit
July 20, 2021 • Meghan Marriott
Federal Taxes, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Here we break down some basic information as to who is eligible for the Child Tax Credit, how much families will receive, and how families can receive their credits.
Post
Improved UI benefits needed for a safe, equitable recovery
June 29, 2021 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Unemployment insurance (UI) benefits have been a financial lifeline for many workers and their families who lost jobs during the… Continue reading Improved UI benefits needed for a safe, equitable recovery
Post
Driver’s licenses for all is important for building an equitable recovery
May 14, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Expanding access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status would advance the economic success of our state. It would also… Continue reading Driver’s licenses for all is important for building an equitable recovery
Post
Expanding paid leave to more workers would build an equitable recovery
April 22, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
As we continue to live through a global pandemic and perhaps the most unequal recession in modern history, we have… Continue reading Expanding paid leave to more workers would build an equitable recovery
Post
The American Rescue Plan – a buoy for workers, families, essential public services, and the economy
April 6, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The American Rescue Plan provides important and much needed economic support for struggling workers and their families, will protect and expand crucial public services that they count on, and will further jumpstart the economy, but funding is largely focused on the near-term.
Post
Legislature passes supports for Minnesota workers and businesses
December 18, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Minnesota legislators voted to provide much-needed economic supports to workers and businesses in a one-day session earlier this week. As… Continue reading Legislature passes supports for Minnesota workers and businesses
Post
US Senate COVID-19 relief package falls dramatically short of what nation needs
July 28, 2020 • Laura Mortenson
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Millions of people across the country are suffering and having a hard time just getting by. In the face of… Continue reading US Senate COVID-19 relief package falls dramatically short of what nation needs
Post
Bonnie Tyler wasn’t wrong: We need a HERO
July 9, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work
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
Post
Special session victory: common-sense approaches reduce barriers during pandemic
July 7, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care, Income and Work
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.
Post
Work remains to advance health, safety, and economic security
July 2, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
What did and did not happen in the June special session to address Minnesotans’ health, safety, and economic priorities?
Post
Special session begins; Minnesotans call for bold action
June 15, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The COVID-19 crisis, and the longstanding crises in policing and racial inequity in Minnesota, have damaged our health, livelihoods, and communities. Policymakers must take bold steps to better ensure Minnesotans can stay healthy, safe, and get by economically in the immediate term, and invest in resilience in all communities for the future.
Post
Rents are rising faster than Minnesotans’ incomes
May 11, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
For over a decade, unaffordable housing costs due to persistently low wages has been the reality for too many Minnesota families.
Post
May budget report reveals the need to support everyday folks
May 5, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The May budget projection will guide the decisions that policymakers make in the remaining weeks of the legislative session, and the months beyond. They remind us of how many of our neighbors are struggling, and the importance of taking swift action to reduce the hardships that Minnesotans and their families are facing as a result of the pandemic, and to start building for the economic recovery.
Post
Racial equity should be at the core of coronavirus responses
April 7, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care, Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Due to the impact of historical racism and ongoing forms of discrimination and bias, BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) will more acutely feel the economic and health effects of this coronavirus crisis. Without attention to equity, they are more likely to be left out of the policy responses.
Post
The Federal CARES Act: What’s in the economic stimulus bill, who is left out
April 3, 2020 • Nan Madden
Child Care, Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
We’ve called for an inclusive approach to the public health crisis and the related economic impact. While the latest federal… Continue reading The Federal CARES Act: What’s in the economic stimulus bill, who is left out
Post
Minnesota Legislature takes additional action on COVID-19
April 1, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
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
Post
Governor Walz’s supplemental budget request focuses on pandemic response
March 27, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
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
Post
Walz and Legislature working to combat coronavirus
March 26, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Even though goings on at the Capitol look a little different right now in response to the novel coronavirus, policymakers… Continue reading Walz and Legislature working to combat coronavirus
Post
A look at the first federal policy steps to combat coronavirus, address economic impact
March 26, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The federal government has begun to respond to the coronavirus with legislation over the past few weeks. The first was… Continue reading A look at the first federal policy steps to combat coronavirus, address economic impact
Post
Minnesota moderately well prepared to respond to looming recession
March 25, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
As we grapple with a rapidly changing economy due to the coronavirus and an all but certain recession, a new… Continue reading Minnesota moderately well prepared to respond to looming recession
Post
Federal stimulus plans should include everyone facing hardship
March 24, 2020 • Nan Madden
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
“At a time of crisis, it is much better to be generous and wide ranging than to be too targeted,”… Continue reading Federal stimulus plans should include everyone facing hardship
Post
Policymakers must act to prevent economic hardship, deep recession
March 17, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
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.
Post
Census data illustrate opportunity gaps
October 17, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Even in this relatively strong economy, nearly 1 in 10 Minnesotans find that lack of good paying jobs, challenging transportation obstacles, and other barriers make it hard to afford the essentials, much less get ahead.
Post
New Census data shows some positive trends, but not everyone benefits
September 10, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The Census Bureau released new data today showing a 0.5 percent reduction in national poverty rates, making 2018 the fourth… Continue reading New Census data shows some positive trends, but not everyone benefits
Post
Minnesota has lots of opportunities to support immigrants, strengthen economy, according to new report
September 5, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
During a time when immigrants are being targeted by harsh federal policies, states have a unique role to play to… Continue reading Minnesota has lots of opportunities to support immigrants, strengthen economy, according to new report
Post
Governor’s budget proposal makes major investments in housing, workforce, local communities
March 13, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Governor Tim Walz’s budget makes significant investments in housing, workforce development, economic development, and local communities. These proposed changes would… Continue reading Governor’s budget proposal makes major investments in housing, workforce, local communities
Brief
Minnesotans face barriers in the labor market, despite top line unemployment numbers
December 1, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Minnesota’s low unemployment rate and high labor force participation are two indicators of where Minnesota’s economy is doing well. However,… Continue reading Minnesotans face barriers in the labor market, despite top line unemployment numbers
Brief
State of working Minnesota: Many Minnesotans working hard but barriers keep them from making ends meet
November 1, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Minnesota has experienced a fairly strong economic recovery since the Great Recession, with low overall unemployment and a growing economy.… Continue reading State of working Minnesota: Many Minnesotans working hard but barriers keep them from making ends meet
Post
More new Census data shows Minnesota’s prosperity isn’t reaching all Minnesotans
September 13, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The U.S. Census released more new data today indicating that the economic recovery continues to boost Minnesotans’ incomes. But the… Continue reading More new Census data shows Minnesota’s prosperity isn’t reaching all Minnesotans
Post
Refugees important to Minnesota’s workforce
May 30, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Employers who hire refugees see lower turnover and choose from a wider pool of potential employees. That’s what a new report from… Continue reading Refugees important to Minnesota’s workforce
Post
Documentation requirements didn’t work in food assistance; let’s not make the same mistake twice
May 17, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Minnesota has the opportunity to learn from its mistakes. Currently, Minnesota’s Legislature is considering new documentation requirements in Medical Assistance,… Continue reading Documentation requirements didn’t work in food assistance; let’s not make the same mistake twice
Post
New report finds Medicaid reporting requirements are a raw deal for workers
April 26, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Health Care, Income and Work, Uncategorized
Many working adults are at risk of losing their health care under new Medicaid work reporting requirement proposals, according to… Continue reading New report finds Medicaid reporting requirements are a raw deal for workers
Post
Undocumented immigrants pay $83 million in state taxes, would pay more with immigration reform
March 9, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Taxes
Undocumented immigrants play a vital role in Minnesota’s economy and currently pay an estimated $83 million in state and local… Continue reading Undocumented immigrants pay $83 million in state taxes, would pay more with immigration reform
Brief
Minnesota economy improving but harsh disparities leave too many workers behind: The state of working Minnesota 2016
October 1, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The U.S. economic recovery has been slow. Although Minnesota hasn’t been immune to the effects of an economic recovery characterized… Continue reading Minnesota economy improving but harsh disparities leave too many workers behind: The state of working Minnesota 2016
Brief
Driver’s licenses associated with increased earnings and can boost economy
October 1, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Youth across Minnesota wait in anticipation for their 16th birthdays, when they will be able to apply for their driver’s… Continue reading Driver’s licenses associated with increased earnings and can boost economy
Brief
Key groups of Minnesotans still struggling to find work in economic recovery
April 1, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The economic recovery has taken hold in Minnesota. Our state has recovered the jobs lost from the recession, and our… Continue reading Key groups of Minnesotans still struggling to find work in economic recovery
Brief
For many, hard work is not enough: The state of working Minnesota 2015
September 1, 2015 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
While Minnesota is recovering from the Great Recession, many working Minnesotans still struggle to reach economic security. Even though unemployment… Continue reading For many, hard work is not enough: The state of working Minnesota 2015
Brief
Minnesota’s workers need earned sick and safe time
August 1, 2015 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Hard-working Minnesotans should not lose wages or their jobs when they take time off to care for themselves or a… Continue reading Minnesota’s workers need earned sick and safe time
Brief
Too many Minnesota workers face low pay and few benefits: The state of working Minnesota 2014
February 1, 2015 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Minnesota is known for our hard-working residents, but too many find that their hard work is not enough. Wages haven’t… Continue reading Too many Minnesota workers face low pay and few benefits: The state of working Minnesota 2014
Brief
Many Minnesotans still struggling to find jobs despite stronger economy
September 1, 2014 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
By the start of 2014, it appeared that the economic recovery was taking hold. Minnesota had recovered the jobs lost… Continue reading Many Minnesotans still struggling to find jobs despite stronger economy
Brief
Minimum wage increase will boost economy and incomes of many Minnesotans
April 1, 2014 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Work
Minnesota’s low-wage workers will soon receive a long overdue raise. One of our country’s most deeply held values is that… Continue reading Minimum wage increase will boost economy and incomes of many Minnesotans
Brief
Unemployment picture remains grim for many Minnesotans
February 1, 2014 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Work
The U.S. is still on the road to recovery from the Great Recession, an historical period of economic turmoil. In… Continue reading Unemployment picture remains grim for many Minnesotans