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House targets bring déjà vu – similar to Senate’s targets, they focus on huge tax cuts, big cut to health and human services
March 18, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
This post was updated on March 29 in response to updated targets. Last week the Minnesota House of Representatives released… Continue reading House targets bring déjà vu – similar to Senate’s targets, they focus on huge tax cuts, big cut to health and human services
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Congressional Budget Office: Republican health care plan would do little to resolve Minnesota’s insurance market woes and would mean 24 million more uninsured
March 17, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Budget, Federal Issues
On Monday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an analysis detailing how the American Health Care Act (AHCA) would… Continue reading Congressional Budget Office: Republican health care plan would do little to resolve Minnesota’s insurance market woes and would mean 24 million more uninsured
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Focus in economic development, housing, transportation is expanding opportunity for Greater Minnesota, people of color
March 15, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Note: This blog is part of a series on Governor Mark Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget proposal, including his HHS budget, his education budget and… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Focus in economic development, housing, transportation is expanding opportunity for Greater Minnesota, people of color
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ACA replacement: Huge tax cuts for the wealthiest while raising costs and cutting care for struggling Minnesotans
March 12, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Issues, Health Care
The Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) doesn’t just slash the federal government’s commitment to health care… Continue reading ACA replacement: Huge tax cuts for the wealthiest while raising costs and cutting care for struggling Minnesotans
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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
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ACA replacement bill would raise costs for health insurance for many Minnesotans and slash federal funding for health care
March 8, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Issues, Health Care
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a plan this week that would slash the federal commitment to affordable… Continue reading ACA replacement bill would raise costs for health insurance for many Minnesotans and slash federal funding for health care
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Increased spending includes early ed, student formula, and narrowing achievement gap
March 6, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Note: This blog is part of a series on Governor Mark Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget proposal, including his HHS budget, his economic… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Increased spending includes early ed, student formula, and narrowing achievement gap
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: HHS investments focus on Minnesota’s most vulnerable, preserves provider tax
March 6, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Minnesota Budget
Governor Mark Dayton’s budget makes important new investments in health and human services, largely centered on health care and families with… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: HHS investments focus on Minnesota’s most vulnerable, preserves provider tax
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Legislative task force recommends improvements to Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program
March 1, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
A bipartisan task force of Minnesota legislators heard from parents, providers and employers about the challenges that a lack of affordable, accessible… Continue reading Legislative task force recommends improvements to Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program
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February Economic Forecast shows surpluses, but forecasters cite federal uncertainty and need for caution
February 28, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state’s Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Budget and Economic Forecast today. Here are our top takeaways: The February forecast… Continue reading February Economic Forecast shows surpluses, but forecasters cite federal uncertainty and need for caution
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Local interference bill moving through Legislature would inhibit local governments from meeting needs of their communities
February 27, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Local interference bills, which prevent local governments from setting higher wage and job quality standards for private-sector employees than state law,… Continue reading Local interference bill moving through Legislature would inhibit local governments from meeting needs of their communities
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Updated analysis on growing need for investment in child care assistance
February 14, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
The latest data on child care show that about 4,000 fewer families will have access to Basic Sliding Fee Child… Continue reading Updated analysis on growing need for investment in child care assistance
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National report: The past 16 years have not been kind to Minnesotans struggling to afford child care
February 3, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
Child care helps entire families thrive by providing safe, nurturing environments for kids while allowing parents the opportunity to succeed… Continue reading National report: The past 16 years have not been kind to Minnesotans struggling to afford child care
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Immigrants and refugees vital to the economy and our communities
February 2, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration
President Donald Trump announced three executive orders last week that dramatically change federal policy related to immigrants and refugees in the… Continue reading Immigrants and refugees vital to the economy and our communities
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget prioritizes investments in broader prosperity
January 25, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
In his release of his FY 2018-19 budget proposal Tuesday, Governor Mark Dayton outlined his priorities as an “Opportunity Agenda” that would… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget prioritizes investments in broader prosperity
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House Real ID bill includes unnecessary, harmful language
January 24, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
A bill to bring our state’s driver’s licenses up to required federal Real ID standards (House File 3) is currently… Continue reading House Real ID bill includes unnecessary, harmful language
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January Economic Update shows lower revenues, higher economic projections
January 17, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Last week’s January Revenue and Economic Update gave us some mixed news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report from… Continue reading January Economic Update shows lower revenues, higher economic projections
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Racial wealth gap is wide and growing larger: 228 year gap for black families, 84 year gap for Latino families
January 9, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
If black family wealth continues to grow at the same pace as the past three decades, it will take more than 200… Continue reading Racial wealth gap is wide and growing larger: 228 year gap for black families, 84 year gap for Latino families
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Everyday Minnesotans are the focus of Dayton 2017 tax plan
January 5, 2017 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Expanding economic opportunity in Minnesota should be a top priority of the 2017 Legislative Session, and two effective strategies to… Continue reading Everyday Minnesotans are the focus of Dayton 2017 tax plan
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Minnesota’s stake in the Affordable Care Act debate: $16.4 billion loss in federal funding and 380,000 more Minnesotans without insurance
December 15, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Health Care
Without health insurance, broken legs or difficult diagnoses can lead to shattered finances and force families to choose between their… Continue reading Minnesota’s stake in the Affordable Care Act debate: $16.4 billion loss in federal funding and 380,000 more Minnesotans without insurance
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Strong budget reserve is fiscally responsible, essential to support Minnesotans in next economic downturn
December 14, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
In recent years, Minnesota has taken important steps to build up the state’s budget reserve. And thanks to this good… Continue reading Strong budget reserve is fiscally responsible, essential to support Minnesotans in next economic downturn
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Five takeaways from the November Economic Forecast
December 2, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The Minnesota Budget Project staff is currently at a conference in Washington, D.C., but given our wonky personalities we just… Continue reading Five takeaways from the November Economic Forecast
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Tax credits for working Minnesotans an important area of common ground
November 23, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The long election season that just concluded shone a spotlight on the economic insecurity facing many across our state and… Continue reading Tax credits for working Minnesotans an important area of common ground
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Refugees revitalizing Minnesota by contributing to economy and our communities
October 24, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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
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Building a strong budget reserve is a no-brainer
September 30, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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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In Minnesota, full-time workers of color three times as likely to be poor
July 25, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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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Deferred action for parents would improve income and well-being of children and families
July 25, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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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Five takeaways from state’s July Economic Update
July 13, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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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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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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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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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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