Brief
Immigrants are a vital part of America’s future
December 2, 2024 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Just as we came together from different places and races to build Minnesota in past decades, a strong future for… Continue reading Immigrants are a vital part of America’s future
Brief
Expanding health care options for immigrants benefits us all
April 25, 2023 • Jessie Luévano
Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy
The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how our own health and the health of our neighbors and communities are interconnected, and the… Continue reading Expanding health care options for immigrants benefits us all
Brief
Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system should be updated to meet realities of today’s workforce
April 25, 2023 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
Over the course of the pandemic, workers have needed to navigate the ups and downs of a continually shifting economy,… Continue reading Minnesota’s Unemployment Insurance system should be updated to meet realities of today’s workforce
Post
Driver’s licenses for all would strengthen Minnesota
February 21, 2023 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Minnesota policymakers have an important opportunity in 2023 to expand access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. This policy… Continue reading Driver’s licenses for all would strengthen Minnesota
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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
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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
Brief
Minnesotans need continuous health insurance coverage
March 25, 2022 • Becca O'Donnell
Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Minnesota Budget
Minnesota has a strong history of investments in health care and has the capacity to make our health care system… Continue reading Minnesotans need continuous health insurance coverage
Brief
New data show that despite improvement, many face continued hardship
December 21, 2021 • Becca O'Donnell
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy
The United States has made progress toward recovery from the hardships caused by the pandemic, thanks in part to strong… Continue reading New data show that despite improvement, many face continued hardship
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
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
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
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.
Brief
Child Tax Credit expansions expected to make historic reductions in child poverty; Improvements should be made permanent
August 25, 2021 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Inclusive Economy, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
What is the Child Tax Credit? Enacted into law in 1997, the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC) is an income… Continue reading Child Tax Credit expansions expected to make historic reductions in child poverty; Improvements should be made permanent
Brief
Minnesota’s new FY 2022-23 budget takes important steps toward the recovery, falls short of transformational change
August 24, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
State policymakers had a critical task this legislative session: setting a state budget for the next two years that meets… Continue reading Minnesota’s new FY 2022-23 budget takes important steps toward the recovery, falls short of transformational change
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
Economic recovery would be strengthened by immigrant-inclusive COVID response
January 5, 2021 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
With the onset of winter, it’s clear that the coronavirus and accompanying economic disruption will continue to be with us… Continue reading Economic recovery would be strengthened by immigrant-inclusive COVID response
Post
Anti-racist principles would ensure equitable COVID recovery
August 14, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Income and Inclusive Economy, Minnesota Budget
Coronavirus is disproportionately harming the economic well-being and health of BIPOC communities (Black, Indigenous, People of Color). A recent report… Continue reading Anti-racist principles would ensure equitable COVID recovery
Post
Emergency SNAP funding an essential part of an anti-racist COVID response
August 13, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy
Millions of Americans are struggling to get enough to eat during a recession that is producing record levels of hardship.… Continue reading Emergency SNAP funding an essential part of an anti-racist COVID response
Brief
New data show COVID is amplifying hardships for low-income people and folks of color
August 5, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy
As the United States enjoyed a lengthy period of economic growth following the Great Recession, the benefits did not reach… Continue reading New data show COVID is amplifying hardships for low-income people and folks of color
Brief
Recession responses that do not center Minnesotans of color likely to widen racial disparities
August 3, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy
Nationwide, the novel coronavirus has inflicted financial and physical wounds on communities of color, laying bare underlying fissures present since… Continue reading Recession responses that do not center Minnesotans of color likely to widen racial disparities
Brief
State of Working Minnesota: Low-income people and people of color working hard but struggle to thrive
June 2, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
Prior to the emergence of coronavirus and the public health measures taken to contain it, Minnesota boasted of a strong… Continue reading State of Working Minnesota: Low-income people and people of color working hard but struggle to thrive
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
Coronavirus responses should include all our neighbors, including immigrants
April 23, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Federal Issues, Health Care, Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Excluding immigrant Minnesotans – who make up close to 9 percent of our state’s population – puts them and their families at risk, and it makes it more difficult for our state and communities to recover from this public health crisis.
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
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
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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
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
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
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
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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
Brief
Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of “Public Charge”
November 25, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy
A co-release from the Minnesota Budget Project and the Fiscal Policy Institute In August 2019, the Department of Homeland Security… Continue reading Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of “Public Charge”
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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
Driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status is good for Minnesotans, good for the economy
May 6, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Minnesota Budget
The Minnesota House passed expanded access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status as part of their omnibus transportation budget bill.
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
Brief
Immigrant contributions to Minnesota and Minnesota’s eight congressional districts
January 1, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Minnesota is built on a foundation of interwoven cultures and we continue to benefit from the ways immigrants from across… Continue reading Immigrant contributions to Minnesota and Minnesota’s eight congressional districts
Brief
Key housing issues facing immigrant communities in the Twin Cities
December 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
A collaborative project among the Minnesota Budget Project, the Minnesota Housing Partnership and the University of Minnesota’s Center for Urban… Continue reading Key housing issues facing immigrant communities in the Twin Cities
Brief
Some Minnesotans struggling despite top line figures showing economic prosperity
November 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Income and Inclusive Economy
The economic recovery has taken hold in Minnesota. A low unemployment rate and high labor force participation indicate a relatively… Continue reading Some Minnesotans struggling despite top line figures showing economic prosperity
Brief
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals important for Minnesota’s economy and inclusive communities
October 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) has changed about 800,000 lives in the United States, and 6,300 in Minnesota.[1] It… Continue reading Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals important for Minnesota’s economy and inclusive communities
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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