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A happy Valentine’s Day for health care reform
February 14, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Health Care
More than 87,000 Minnesotans will have access to affordable and meaningful health insurance beginning in 2014, including 34,000 who currently have no insurance.… Continue reading A happy Valentine’s Day for health care reform
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Renters should be included in property tax reform
February 12, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Improvements to the Renters’ Credit should be part of tax reform passed this legislative session. Here’s why. Governor Dayton and… Continue reading Renters should be included in property tax reform
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Major milestone for health care reform in Minnesota
February 7, 2013 • Christina Wessel
Health Care
More than 87,000 Minnesotans would gain access to affordable and comprehensive health insurance under a proposal on the move in… Continue reading Major milestone for health care reform in Minnesota
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National report confirms: Minnesota has more work to do on tax fairness
February 6, 2013 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
A national report confirms what many Minnesotans already know: Minnesota’s tax system does not share the responsibility for funding public… Continue reading National report confirms: Minnesota has more work to do on tax fairness
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Governor Dayton’s budget proposal part 3: Education
February 5, 2013 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
An educated Minnesota is critical for the state’s economic success. Governor Dayton’s FY 2014-15 budget proposal demonstrates his vision for education in… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s budget proposal part 3: Education
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Just in time for Minnesota’s tax debate
February 4, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes
How important is it for Minnesota to reform our tax system? According to an issue brief we recently released, it’s… Continue reading Just in time for Minnesota’s tax debate
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Governor Dayton’s budget proposal part 2: Tax reform
January 31, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
After many years of budget deficits and deep cuts to services, it’s time to instead invest in our communities and… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s budget proposal part 2: Tax reform
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January economic update shows good and bad news
January 24, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
State revenues are coming in much higher than expected. The January 2013 Economic Update from Minnesota Management and Budget told… Continue reading January economic update shows good and bad news
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Governor Dayton’s budget proposal Part 1: Health care reform
January 23, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Health Care, Minnesota Budget
The state budget plan released by Gov. Mark Dayton yesterday seeks to end the cycle of deficits and put the… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s budget proposal Part 1: Health care reform
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Our top three list for the 2013 Legislative Session
January 8, 2013 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The 2013 Minnesota Legislature faces some of the most critical issues in generations when it meets for the first time… Continue reading Our top three list for the 2013 Legislative Session
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Covering more Minnesotans through Medicaid would improve health outcomes and reduce state costs
January 1, 2013 • Christina Wessel
Health Care
More than 87,000 Minnesotans would gain access to affordable health insurance and the state would save millions of dollars if… Continue reading Covering more Minnesotans through Medicaid would improve health outcomes and reduce state costs
Brief
The facts speak: It’s time to reform Minnesota’s tax system
January 1, 2013 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
Policy choices matter in ensuring that Minnesota’s tax system is both fair and raises enough revenue to fund the state’s… Continue reading The facts speak: It’s time to reform Minnesota’s tax system
Brief
Minnesota should get on a sustainable track: A look at the November 2012 Economic Forecast
January 1, 2013 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Budget deficits continue to plague Minnesota, even though the state is beginning to recover from the Great Recession. The state’s… Continue reading Minnesota should get on a sustainable track: A look at the November 2012 Economic Forecast
Brief
The Basic Health Plan option: Creating the next generation of MinnesotaCare
January 1, 2013 • Christina Wessel
Health Care
Minnesota has a proud history of making affordable health care coverage available to low-income working families. However, Minnesota is at… Continue reading The Basic Health Plan option: Creating the next generation of MinnesotaCare
Brief
Income inequality grows in Minnesota
November 1, 2012 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Growing income inequality contradicts some of our country’s most deeply held values. Americans believe that hard work should pay off,… Continue reading Income inequality grows in Minnesota
Brief
Strong Minnesota economy requires sound investments
October 1, 2012 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
It’s Time to Get Back to What Works For prosperity to be widespread and Minnesota to compete in the global… Continue reading Strong Minnesota economy requires sound investments
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2012 Legislative Session: Modest budget changes, little progress on sustainably funding our future
June 1, 2012 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Budget
Following a long and contentious budget debate in 2011 that included a three-week state government shutdown, the 2012 Legislative Session… Continue reading 2012 Legislative Session: Modest budget changes, little progress on sustainably funding our future
Brief
No further cuts to renters’ property tax refunds made in 2012 Legislative Session
May 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Renters’ Credit refunds a portion of the property taxes that renters pay through their rents. It is an important… Continue reading No further cuts to renters’ property tax refunds made in 2012 Legislative Session
Brief
’98 Percent’ constitutional amendment creates barriers to common-sense budgeting
April 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
A constitutional amendment proposed in the Minnesota Legislature would place strict limits on the ability of lawmakers to craft a… Continue reading ’98 Percent’ constitutional amendment creates barriers to common-sense budgeting
Brief
2012 House tax bill would severely cut renters’ property tax refunds
April 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Renters’ Credit refunds a portion of the property taxes that renters pay through their rents. This year, 315,000 low-… Continue reading 2012 House tax bill would severely cut renters’ property tax refunds
Brief
Poverty rises, median income falls, and more Minnesotans go without health insurance in 2010
April 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The United States has weathered two recessions in the last decade, and the financial turmoil has taken its toll on… Continue reading Poverty rises, median income falls, and more Minnesotans go without health insurance in 2010
Brief
Surplus short-lived as deficit looms: The February 2012 Economic Forecast
March 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The State of Minnesota’s February 2012 Economic Forecast offers a little more good news – the state has a $323… Continue reading Surplus short-lived as deficit looms: The February 2012 Economic Forecast
Brief
Governor Dayton’s FY 2012-13 supplemental budget focuses on small adjustments
March 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
Governor Mark Dayton’s supplemental budget proposal makes small mid-course adjustments to the state’s current budget for the FY 2012-13 biennium,… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2012-13 supplemental budget focuses on small adjustments
Brief
Health insurance exchange will improve access and affordability for many Minnesotans
March 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Health Care
In the next few years, Minnesotans will see important improvements in the way they access health insurance. The federal Patient… Continue reading Health insurance exchange will improve access and affordability for many Minnesotans
Brief
Constitutional amendment would undermine Minnesota’s economic recovery
February 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
The Threat A constitutional amendment proposed in the Minnesota legislature would severely restrict how much the state could spend from… Continue reading Constitutional amendment would undermine Minnesota’s economic recovery
Brief
Supermajority amendment would create pressure to increase property taxes
February 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes
One of the most serious likely consequences of Minnesota adopting a constitutional supermajority amendment would be shifting the costs for… Continue reading Supermajority amendment would create pressure to increase property taxes
Brief
2010 Renters’ Credit cuts felt across Minnesota
February 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Renters’ Credit, formally called the Property Tax Refund or PTR, is a state property tax refund for low- and… Continue reading 2010 Renters’ Credit cuts felt across Minnesota
Brief
Supermajority requirement would limit financial flexibility, risking Minnesota’s credit rating
February 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
Minnesota’s Credit Rating Already on Unstable Footing Minnesota’s Legislature is considering a constitutional amendment that would require a supermajority vote… Continue reading Supermajority requirement would limit financial flexibility, risking Minnesota’s credit rating
Brief
Supermajority amendment is wrong for Minnesota
February 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
With the 2011 state government shutdown still fresh in the minds of Minnesotans, it’s surprising that the Minnesota Legislature is… Continue reading Supermajority amendment is wrong for Minnesota
Brief
Constitutional budget limits would put Minnesota’s future at risk
January 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
We support preserving the ability of a simple majority of lawmakers to determine the overall size of the state budget… Continue reading Constitutional budget limits would put Minnesota’s future at risk
Brief
Basic Health Plan offers a chance to provide comprehensive health care coverage for low-income Minnesotans
January 1, 2012 • Minnesota Budget Project
Health Care
The number of uninsured in Minnesota has been on the rise over the last decade, with one out of 10… Continue reading Basic Health Plan offers a chance to provide comprehensive health care coverage for low-income Minnesotans
Brief
Surplus now, deficit later: A look at the November 2011 Economic Forecast
December 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Keeping Minnesota’s economy on the path to recovery is a top priority for everyone in the state. And the State… Continue reading Surplus now, deficit later: A look at the November 2011 Economic Forecast
Brief
Renters’ Credit maintained in 2011, cut in 2012
August 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Renters’ Credit provides a property tax refund for more than 300,000 low- and moderate-income Minnesota households, more than one-quarter… Continue reading Renters’ Credit maintained in 2011, cut in 2012
Brief
2011 budget decisions will undermine current recovery and hurt state’s long-term economic success
August 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Budget Cuts Will Undermine Minnesota’s Recovery From the Recession After a long legislative session, a nearly three-week state government shutdown… Continue reading 2011 budget decisions will undermine current recovery and hurt state’s long-term economic success
Brief
Federal deficit reduction: How it works and implications for Minnesota
August 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget
After months of intense debate, Congress passed and President Obama signed into law an increase in the federal debt ceiling.… Continue reading Federal deficit reduction: How it works and implications for Minnesota
Brief
A tale of two visions: Comparing Governor Dayton’s and the Legislature’s FY 2012-13 budgets
June 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Governor Dayton’s Budget Presents Balanced Approach, Legislature Focuses on Cuts The challenge before Minnesota policymakers is to shore up the… Continue reading A tale of two visions: Comparing Governor Dayton’s and the Legislature’s FY 2012-13 budgets
Brief
Revenue-raising options to help close Minnesota’s FY 2012-13 budget deficit
May 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Minnesota faces a long, slow economic recovery, large state deficits and some very tough choices. Taking a balanced approach, including… Continue reading Revenue-raising options to help close Minnesota’s FY 2012-13 budget deficit
Brief
Constitutional revenue limits damaged Colorado’s business climate, quality of life
May 1, 2011 • Christina Wessel
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Colorado provides a clear example of how strict constitutional revenue limits fail to improve a state’s business climate and quality… Continue reading Constitutional revenue limits damaged Colorado’s business climate, quality of life
Brief
Governor Dayton presents a balanced approach to the state’s FY 2012-13 deficit
April 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Governor Dayton’s Budget Relies on Revenue Increases and Spending Cuts On February 15, Governor Dayton released his proposal for resolving… Continue reading Governor Dayton presents a balanced approach to the state’s FY 2012-13 deficit
Brief
Minnesota’s forecast improves, but deficits continue: A look at the February 2011 Forecast
March 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Minnesota continues to faces significant budget deficits, although the situation has improved. The state’s latest economic forecast projects a deficit… Continue reading Minnesota’s forecast improves, but deficits continue: A look at the February 2011 Forecast
Brief
Minnesota faces slow recovery and a big deficit: A look at the November 2010 Forecast
January 1, 2011 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Minnesota once again faces a significant budget deficit. The state’s latest economic forecast projects a deficit of $6.2 billion for… Continue reading Minnesota faces slow recovery and a big deficit: A look at the November 2010 Forecast
Brief
The unequal distribution of health in the Twin Cities
October 1, 2010 • Nan Madden
Health Care
The following is an invited response by Nan Madden, Minnesota Budget Project director, to a report released by the Blue Cross… Continue reading The unequal distribution of health in the Twin Cities
Brief
2010 cuts to the Renters’ Credit hurt those already hurt by tough economy
September 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Renters’ Credit provides a property tax refund for over 300,000 low- and moderate-income Minnesota households, more than one-quarter of… Continue reading 2010 cuts to the Renters’ Credit hurt those already hurt by tough economy
Brief
Few small business owners would be impacted by the 2010 Legislature’s income tax increase on high-income households
September 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
No business or individual alone can provide for an educated workforce or safe roads and bridges. Taxes pay for these… Continue reading Few small business owners would be impacted by the 2010 Legislature’s income tax increase on high-income households
Brief
General Assistance Medical Care: Unique program serves a unique population
July 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Health Care, Minnesota Budget
General Assistance Medical Care Targets a Challenging Population General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC) was initially established in 1975 to provide… Continue reading General Assistance Medical Care: Unique program serves a unique population
Brief
The basics of cap and trade
June 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Federal Issues
What is Cap and Trade? In a cap and trade program, a cap is set in order to limit the… Continue reading The basics of cap and trade
Brief
Poverty despite work in Minnesota
June 1, 2010 • Nan Madden
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Brief
2010 Legislative Session closes with many opportunities lost
June 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Uncertainty, Conflict Fill Last Days of 2010 Session Minnesota policymakers faced challenges during the 2010 Legislative Session, including a $1… Continue reading 2010 Legislative Session closes with many opportunities lost
Brief
Climate change and low-income households: consumer relief and economic opportunities
May 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Federal Issues
Climate change is one of the most serious issues facing our world, and it disproportionately impacts low-income households who are… Continue reading Climate change and low-income households: consumer relief and economic opportunities
Brief
Revenue-raising options to help close Minnesota’s budget deficits in FY 2011-13
April 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota Needs a Balanced Approach to Solving Deficits Minnesota faces a weak economy, daunting state deficits and some very tough… Continue reading Revenue-raising options to help close Minnesota’s budget deficits in FY 2011-13