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Provider tax: Why now is the time to repeal the sunset
May 6, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota’s health care provider tax raises nearly $680 million annually for affordable health care and investments in healthy communities across… Continue reading Provider tax: Why now is the time to repeal the sunset
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A tale of two HHS omnibus bills: House and Senate offer dramatically different visions
April 29, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
The Minnesota House and Senate have wrapped up committee work on their omnibus budget bills. They present starkly opposed visions… Continue reading A tale of two HHS omnibus bills: House and Senate offer dramatically different visions
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Minnesota’s April Economic Update shows small improvements
April 17, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released April Revenue and Economic Update gave us good news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report… Continue reading Minnesota’s April Economic Update shows small improvements
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Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposals in E-12 education and higher ed invest more in Minnesota’s students
April 16, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Governor Tim Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposal includes provisions that support students across the state, as well as more targeted funding intended to… Continue reading Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposals in E-12 education and higher ed invest more in Minnesota’s students
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Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 transportation proposal increases gas tax and other revenues to pay for Minnesota’s roads and transit
April 9, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Governor Tim Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposal includes a substantial transportation component. Minnesotans count on their roadways to get to work,… Continue reading Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 transportation proposal increases gas tax and other revenues to pay for Minnesota’s roads and transit
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Walz tax plan expands Working Family Credit, funds investments in schools and communities
April 8, 2019 • Nan Madden
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Narrowly defined, the primary responsibility for policymakers this legislative session is to pass the state’s next two-year budget. But more… Continue reading Walz tax plan expands Working Family Credit, funds investments in schools and communities
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Senate budget targets call for few investments, mostly flat funding
April 4, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The Minnesota Senate’s budget targets, released last week, give a high level picture of their budget outline. The Senate’s “Advancing… Continue reading Senate budget targets call for few investments, mostly flat funding
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Provider tax: The proven way to fund affordable health care for Minnesotans
April 3, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota’s provider tax is a proven and time-tested way to ensure Minnesotans have affordable health care. In contrast, the state of Michigan experimented with a few types of health-related taxes, and discovered various problems with these alternative sources – including insufficient revenues and problems with federal regulations.
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Governor Walz’s revised budget raises additional revenues, adjusts spending to build shared prosperity
March 28, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Governor Tim Walz’s revised budget retains the Walz/Flanagan administration’s “One Minnesota” priorities, and augments the surplus by maintaining and raising revenues to invest in health care, education, broader economic opportunity, and transportation.
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House budget targets call for revenue raising, investments in education
March 27, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The Minnesota House’s budget targets, released this week, tell us how lawmakers propose to allocate the state’s projected $1.1 billion… Continue reading House budget targets call for revenue raising, investments in education
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Federal shutdown is over – but harm hit home
March 14, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care
The partial federal government shutdown that began on December 22, 2018, and concluded on January 25 of this year was… Continue reading Federal shutdown is over – but harm hit home
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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
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Walz-Flanagan human services budget proposal focuses on people
March 11, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
Governor Tim Walz’s budget proposes over $300 million in new health and human services investments to help Minnesotans stay healthy… Continue reading Walz-Flanagan human services budget proposal focuses on people
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Minnesota’s February budget forecast reinforces the need for resources to fund the investments Minnesotans count on
February 28, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Policymakers’ primary task in the upcoming legislative session will be to set a budget for the FY 2020-21 biennium, and… Continue reading Minnesota’s February budget forecast reinforces the need for resources to fund the investments Minnesotans count on
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Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposal makes important investments to build prosperity in Minnesota
February 19, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
In his release of his FY 2020-21 budget proposal today, Governor Tim Walz outlined his priorities for “One Minnesota” that would raise funds to… Continue reading Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposal makes important investments to build prosperity in Minnesota
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Apply for a two-year state policy fellowship with the Minnesota Budget Project
January 23, 2019 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
To expand the diversity of voices that speak with authority in state policy debates, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP)… Continue reading Apply for a two-year state policy fellowship with the Minnesota Budget Project
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Minnesota’s January Economic Update shows reason for caution
January 16, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released January Revenue and Economic Update gave us unsettling news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report from… Continue reading Minnesota’s January Economic Update shows reason for caution
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Investments in healthy people, healthy communities at stake this session with fate of provider tax
January 9, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Funding for affordable health care for one million Minnesotans is at risk in the 2019 Legislative Session because the health care… Continue reading Investments in healthy people, healthy communities at stake this session with fate of provider tax
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Good session to you! Let’s make racial equity a key focus this year
January 7, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
It’s that time of year again. The 2019 Legislative Session is beginning, so the Minnesota Budget Project team is getting… Continue reading Good session to you! Let’s make racial equity a key focus this year
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Minnesota’s November budget forecast shows good news for right now, but the future’s looking iffy
December 6, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Today’s forecasted surplus gives policymakers an opportunity to build toward shared prosperity that reaches Minnesotans across the state, whether in… Continue reading Minnesota’s November budget forecast shows good news for right now, but the future’s looking iffy
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Minnesota ranks high for tax fairness in 50-state study
October 17, 2018 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
The Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) finds that nearly every state fails basic measures of fairness, but Minnesota is among a small number of states where income inequality is reduced by state tax policy.
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October Economic Update shows higher state revenues, but mixed news on economic growth
October 12, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released October Revenue and Economic Update gave us mixed news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report from… Continue reading October Economic Update shows higher state revenues, but mixed news on economic growth
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New federal rule would increase hardship among New Americans
September 24, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration
This weekend, draft language for a new “public charge” rule was released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This rule… Continue reading New federal rule would increase hardship among New Americans
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Plans to cut federal economic security programs take aim at wrong target
September 19, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care
Federal investments in family economic security – including stable housing, nutritious food, affordable health care, education and training, and boosting family… Continue reading Plans to cut federal economic security programs take aim at wrong target
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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
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New Census data highlights Minnesota’s long-term progress in health coverage and the need to continue to invest
September 12, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Health Care
All Minnesotans deserve the opportunity to live healthy lives and get the treatment they need for asthma, diabetes, or a… Continue reading New Census data highlights Minnesota’s long-term progress in health coverage and the need to continue to invest
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New U.S. House budget proposal gives peek into policymakers’ vision for the future
July 16, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care
How do you spend your money? It’s a deeply personal question – in a world of limited resources, what you choose… Continue reading New U.S. House budget proposal gives peek into policymakers’ vision for the future
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Minnesota’s July Economic Update shows higher state revenues, but mixed economic news
July 12, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released July Revenue and Economic Update gave us mixed news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report from… Continue reading Minnesota’s July Economic Update shows higher state revenues, but mixed economic news
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2018 Legislative Session: What was accomplished, and what’s left for next year
July 11, 2018 • Nan Madden
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The 2018 Legislative Session opened with some major tasks on policymakers’ to-do lists. By tradition, this was a year when… Continue reading 2018 Legislative Session: What was accomplished, and what’s left for next year
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Health and Human Services changes in vetoed Supplemental Budget Bill were a mixed bag
June 11, 2018 • Sarah Orange
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
May 20th marked the closing of the 2018 Legislative Session, which was capped off with Governor Mark Dayton vetoing the… Continue reading Health and Human Services changes in vetoed Supplemental Budget Bill were a mixed bag
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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
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New proposed rule from Trump administration would harm New American families
May 24, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration
Earlier this spring, a proposed new federal rule was released that would make it harder for New Americans to thrive and… Continue reading New proposed rule from Trump administration would harm New American families
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Legislature’s final tax bill contains same harmful provisions as previously-vetoed bill
May 22, 2018 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
Last week, we evaluated the Legislature’s tax bill and found that it needed improvement. Unfortunately, very little was changed, and… Continue reading Legislature’s final tax bill contains same harmful provisions as previously-vetoed bill
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Supplemental budget proposals on the table, but very different priorities
May 18, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
As we finish up the last week of the state’s legislative session, the Legislature has passed their initial budget and… Continue reading Supplemental budget proposals on the table, but very different priorities
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Legislative tax bill needs improvement; is there enough time left to make the grade?
May 17, 2018 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
I’ll admit it – I was hoping for a relatively quiet 2018 Legislative Session in terms of tax policy. Then… Continue reading Legislative tax bill needs improvement; is there enough time left to make the grade?
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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
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Nibbling around the edges: The Legislature’s Health and Human Services proposals fail to fully address critical issues
May 11, 2018 • Nan Madden
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
With just over a week left in the legislative session, lawmakers have finalized their supplemental proposals for the state’s health and… Continue reading Nibbling around the edges: The Legislature’s Health and Human Services proposals fail to fully address critical issues
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House budget targets devote 2/3 of surplus to taxes, transportation
April 27, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The Minnesota House of Representatives’ budget targets tell us how they propose to allocate the state’s projected $329 million surplus for… Continue reading House budget targets devote 2/3 of surplus to taxes, transportation
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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
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Tip penalty proposal in Minnesota House threatens economic security
April 18, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The economic security of workers who receive hourly wages and tips in Minnesota is threatened by House File 4061, which was the… Continue reading Tip penalty proposal in Minnesota House threatens economic security
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April Economic Update shows revenues on track
April 18, 2018 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released April Revenue and Economic Update gave us good news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report… Continue reading April Economic Update shows revenues on track
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Proposed constitutional amendment would undermine general fund resources and underfund transportation
April 11, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Many of Minnesota’s priorities – from K-12 education, to financial aid for college students, to broadband access – are paid… Continue reading Proposed constitutional amendment would undermine general fund resources and underfund transportation
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Families with children could pay higher taxes under tax conformity
March 28, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The complex set of tax changes in the recent federal tax bill creates a set of challenging decisions for states like Minnesota.… Continue reading Families with children could pay higher taxes under tax conformity
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Governor Dayton’s proposed supplemental budget makes investments in education, health and human services, economic development, saves for the future
March 26, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Governor Mark Dayton released his FY 2018-19 supplemental budget proposal today, focused on making strategic investments to support Minnesota’s economic success, prioritizing working… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s proposed supplemental budget makes investments in education, health and human services, economic development, saves for the future
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As rising rents outstrip Minnesotans’ incomes, affordability policies are under threat
March 13, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
A full-time worker needs to earn $18.60 an hour to afford a modest two-bedroom apartment in Minnesota. That’s up from $17.76… Continue reading As rising rents outstrip Minnesotans’ incomes, affordability policies are under threat
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Investment in child care is a critical investment in Minnesota’s workforce
March 7, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Our state’s economy has been vibrant for the past several years, and a significant factor in this success is our… Continue reading Investment in child care is a critical investment in Minnesota’s workforce
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February forecast brings welcome news, but uncertainty still reigns
February 28, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Today the state’s Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Budget and Economic Forecast. The February forecast compares what the state would be… Continue reading February forecast brings welcome news, but uncertainty still reigns
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Trump’s budget would pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations by cutting supports for struggling Americans
February 20, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Last week, President Donald Trump laid out his vision for the country in his FY 2019 proposed budget. Just a short… Continue reading Trump’s budget would pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations by cutting supports for struggling Americans
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New Medicaid requirements will create barriers to health care
February 13, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
Since its origin in 1965, Medicaid has stood as America’s promise to care for our neighbors and loved ones, providing… Continue reading New Medicaid requirements will create barriers to health care
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Minnesota’s budget reserve an important source of stability in tough times
January 18, 2018 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
This fall, the state’s November Budget and Economic Forecast projected a slight state budget deficit for the remainder of the FY 2018-19… Continue reading Minnesota’s budget reserve an important source of stability in tough times