Brief
Final FY 2016-17 supplemental budget makes modest changes to expand opportunity, promote equity
November 1, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The 2016 Legislative Session seemed ripe for opportunity to invest in a more equitable and prosperous Minnesota. However, policymakers had… Continue reading Final FY 2016-17 supplemental budget makes modest changes to expand opportunity, promote equity
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Refugees revitalizing Minnesota by contributing to economy and our communities
October 24, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Refugees come to this country because they face persecution in their homelands, and the United States provides a safe space for… Continue reading Refugees revitalizing Minnesota by contributing to economy and our communities
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Many workers being left behind in economic recovery
October 21, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Minnesota’s economy has a number of strengths. Incomes are rising, poverty is falling, and unemployment is back to pre-recession levels. Minnesota… Continue reading Many workers being left behind in economic recovery
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Four takeaways from the October Economic Update
October 13, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Monday’s October Revenue and Economic Update gave us some unwelcome news. The quarterly report from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) showed that while… Continue reading Four takeaways from the October Economic Update
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What matters more for competitiveness: Rankings or results?
October 5, 2016 • Nan Madden
Income and Inclusive Economy, Minnesota Taxes
It’s a good time to visit public finance expert Peter Fisher’s comprehensive work over at Grading the States, which digs deep… Continue reading What matters more for competitiveness: Rankings or results?
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Policymakers’ equity work makes strides, but much more to do
October 4, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
From Governor Mark Dayton’s State of the State address to the final bills put together at the very end of… Continue reading Policymakers’ equity work makes strides, but much more to do
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Better jobs, higher education are 2 of 4 reasons to wish DACA a very happy 4th birthday
October 3, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
In 2012, President Barack Obama introduced a landmark executive action that allowed unauthorized immigrants who came to the United States… Continue reading Better jobs, higher education are 2 of 4 reasons to wish DACA a very happy 4th birthday
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
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Building a strong budget reserve is a no-brainer
September 30, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
A healthy budget reserve is a two-for-one deal for states, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress.… Continue reading Building a strong budget reserve is a no-brainer
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What 13 years of decreased funding for affordable child care looks like across Minnesota
September 27, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
When parents have consistent, nurturing care for their children, families are more likely to prosper. Unfortunately, child care is getting… Continue reading What 13 years of decreased funding for affordable child care looks like across Minnesota
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Census data: More work to do to address racial disparities
September 15, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Income and Inclusive Economy
According to the latest Census data, Minnesota families brought home bigger paychecks in 2015 than they did in 2014. Minnesota’s… Continue reading Census data: More work to do to address racial disparities
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New Census data highlight Minnesota’s health care gains
September 13, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Health Care
According to Census data released today, Minnesota retained our status as a national leader when it comes to the share… Continue reading New Census data highlight Minnesota’s health care gains
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Income inequality rising in Minnesota and U.S.
September 2, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Income inequality between Minnesota’s richest and poorest households continues to widen and is bad for the economy, according to a report from… Continue reading Income inequality rising in Minnesota and U.S.
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Lack of earned leave hurts Minnesota families
August 5, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Looking back on my childhood, I see that I was blessed. Whenever I was sick, my mom was able to take… Continue reading Lack of earned leave hurts Minnesota families
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Workers across the state get a raise today, but often still can’t make ends meet
August 1, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Today many Minnesota workers will receive a raise. That’s due to the final scheduled minimum wage increase to $9.50 for large… Continue reading Workers across the state get a raise today, but often still can’t make ends meet
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Missing MinnesotaCare provision could have moved the needle on one of the state’s glaring racial disparities
July 26, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Health Care
Final negotiations over the Health and Human Services (HHS) budget ended without the inclusion of an important proposal that could have addressed one… Continue reading Missing MinnesotaCare provision could have moved the needle on one of the state’s glaring racial disparities
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Deferred action for parents would improve income and well-being of children and families
July 25, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Expanding access to a more stable legal status to eligible undocumented immigrants would benefit both the families involved and our… Continue reading Deferred action for parents would improve income and well-being of children and families
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In Minnesota, full-time workers of color three times as likely to be poor
July 25, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Most people believe that full-time work should empower somebody to fill their fridge, fill their gas tank and start putting some… Continue reading In Minnesota, full-time workers of color three times as likely to be poor
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Five takeaways from state’s July Economic Update
July 13, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state received a note of caution – with revenues on track but lower projected national economic growth – in the… Continue reading Five takeaways from state’s July Economic Update
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New report shows how out of reach housing costs are
June 30, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
A report from the National Low-Income Housing Coalition, Out of Reach 2016, shows that workers need to earn almost twice the minimum wage to… Continue reading New report shows how out of reach housing costs are
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U.S. Supreme Court decision halts expanded economic opportunity for immigrants
June 13, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Today’s disappointing decision from the U.S. Supreme Court halts proposed actions to expand opportunity for an estimated 3.9 million unauthorized immigrants… Continue reading U.S. Supreme Court decision halts expanded economic opportunity for immigrants
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Smart policy interventions can shrink racial disparities: National mortality rates edition
June 6, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Issues
When researchers looked at mortality rates of younger Americans across the country, they found that policy choices are shrinking the health-based inequities that exist… Continue reading Smart policy interventions can shrink racial disparities: National mortality rates edition
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Jobs, economic development top supplemental spending
May 27, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
While the House and Senate put forward very different visions around how to use the projected $900 million surplus this session, legislators put… Continue reading Jobs, economic development top supplemental spending
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Net-zero HHS agreement invests in some vulnerable Minnesotans; misses opportunity to help many more
May 26, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Health Care, Minnesota Budget
Sunday morning, the Supplemental Budget Conference Committee approved House File 2749, which spells out the near future of Minnesota’s Health and Human Services… Continue reading Net-zero HHS agreement invests in some vulnerable Minnesotans; misses opportunity to help many more
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2016 tax bill provisions focus on working Minnesotans
May 23, 2016 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
This legislative session, we’ve made the case that policymakers should take the opportunity to invest in broader prosperity, including by… Continue reading 2016 tax bill provisions focus on working Minnesotans
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House version of Real ID costly, contains unnecessary language
May 19, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
This session, Minnesota policymakers are considering bills to bring our state’s driver’s licenses up to required federal Real ID standards.… Continue reading House version of Real ID costly, contains unnecessary language
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Updating child care assistance reimbursement rates important for parents
May 19, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) reimburses child care providers so that parents with low wages can leave for work… Continue reading Updating child care assistance reimbursement rates important for parents
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Local interference restricts local governments’ ability to meet needs of their residents
May 19, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Recently, “local interference” laws, which prevent local governments from setting higher standards than state law, have popped up in a… Continue reading Local interference restricts local governments’ ability to meet needs of their residents
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Duluth business owners call for strengthening workforce with education investments
May 13, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
This is another story in a series that shares why small business owners believe it’s important to reinvest our budget surplus back… Continue reading Duluth business owners call for strengthening workforce with education investments
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Provisions in Senate tax bill make everyday Minnesotans the priority
May 11, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The Minnesota Senate’s 2016 supplemental tax bill released this week includes provisions that would make strong strides toward more Minnesotans being able… Continue reading Provisions in Senate tax bill make everyday Minnesotans the priority
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Asset tests for health care: A solution in search of a problem
May 10, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The Minnesota House Health and Human Services budget includes a proposal that would add a counterproductive, complex layer of bureaucracy… Continue reading Asset tests for health care: A solution in search of a problem
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House and Senate have very different priorities in their supplemental budgets
May 9, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
With their conference committee about to begin, the House and Senate have put together their omnibus supplemental budget bills, which… Continue reading House and Senate have very different priorities in their supplemental budgets
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‘Small business’ tax cuts miss the mark, would prevent investments in durable prosperity
May 5, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
This session, I’ve been hearing from some small business owners about their perspectives on what course state policymakers should take… Continue reading ‘Small business’ tax cuts miss the mark, would prevent investments in durable prosperity
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Some Minnesotans continue to struggle in the workforce
May 2, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The economic recovery has taken hold in Minnesota, but that’s news to the many Minnesotans who are not sharing in… Continue reading Some Minnesotans continue to struggle in the workforce
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Breaking down the three health and human services proposals
May 2, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Last week, the Senate and House passed their plans for the Health and Human Services (HHS) portion of Minnesota’s budget,… Continue reading Breaking down the three health and human services proposals
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What’s missing in this chart?
April 28, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
It’s time to update a critical support for our state’s poorest kids that has been deteriorating for 30 years: the Minnesota Family Investment Program… Continue reading What’s missing in this chart?
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Senate equity proposal strives to create more economic opportunity
April 28, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Where are workers of color unemployed at over 2.5 times the rate of white workers? Where are households of color living… Continue reading Senate equity proposal strives to create more economic opportunity
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Two facts that make the case for restoring MinnesotaCare eligibility levels
April 26, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Policymakers can build on Minnesota’s historic progress in increasing access to affordable health care by restoring eligibility for MinnesotaCare for a group of… Continue reading Two facts that make the case for restoring MinnesotaCare eligibility levels
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Assets and opportunity not reaching all communities in Minnesota
April 20, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
A report from the Corporation for Enterprise Development (CFED) finds Minnesota does well on many aspects of its Assets & Opportunity… Continue reading Assets and opportunity not reaching all communities in Minnesota
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Creating a durable Prosperity: Why small business owners call for state investments
April 18, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Holly Hatch-Surisook lives one mile from the successful restaurant she owns with her husband, Joe, in Northeast Minneapolis. Built from… Continue reading Creating a durable Prosperity: Why small business owners call for state investments
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Economic opportunity for unauthorized immigrants on trial today
April 18, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Today the U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on the lawsuit concerning President Barack Obama’s 2014 executive action which,… Continue reading Economic opportunity for unauthorized immigrants on trial today
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An entrepreneur’s take on Minnesota’s budget debate
April 16, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
This is the second story in a series that shares why small business owners believe it’s important to reinvest our budget surplus… Continue reading An entrepreneur’s take on Minnesota’s budget debate
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Senate targets prioritize sustainable tax changes, broader opportunity
April 14, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The Minnesota Senate released its budget targets on Wednesday, which describe how they propose using the state’s projected surplus to make… Continue reading Senate targets prioritize sustainable tax changes, broader opportunity
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Preserving the provider tax is vital for affordable health care in Minnesota
April 12, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
A lot has changed in the 24 years since the Health Care Access Fund (HCAF) was created to expand access to health… Continue reading Preserving the provider tax is vital for affordable health care in Minnesota
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April Economic Update: Slight dip in revenues and economic growth, otherwise on track
April 11, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook, Uncategorized
The state’s latest economic figures show little change from what was measured in the February forecast. The state of Minnesota… Continue reading April Economic Update: Slight dip in revenues and economic growth, otherwise on track
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House budget targets give some answers and leave questions
April 8, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Minnesota policymakers entered the 2016 Legislative Session with a projected $900 million surplus for the remainder of the current FY… Continue reading House budget targets give some answers and leave questions
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New issue brief highlights the need for action to support working families with Basic Sliding Fee
April 7, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
If state policymakers fail to invest in child care assistance, fewer families will have access to affordable child care from a… Continue reading New issue brief highlights the need for action to support working families with Basic Sliding Fee
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Smart policy interventions can shrink racial disparities: The example of health insurance
April 6, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Health insurance is a basic necessity — and if you don’t have it, Minnesota’s nation-leading health care system might as well… Continue reading Smart policy interventions can shrink racial disparities: The example of health insurance
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Voices for Racial Justice agenda maps out ways to make progress on racial equity
April 5, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Policymakers from across the state have begun to pay more attention to Minnesota’s open secret: our economic success story often… Continue reading Voices for Racial Justice agenda maps out ways to make progress on racial equity