Brief
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
Brief
Step one: Policymakers agree to $312 million in budget reductions in FY 2010-11
April 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
First Phase Focuses on Budget Cuts The recent recession struck Minnesota hard. Many workers have lost their jobs, the number… Continue reading Step one: Policymakers agree to $312 million in budget reductions in FY 2010-11
Brief
Governor Pawlenty solves FY 2010-11 deficit using federal resources, cuts to services
March 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
2010 Legislative Session Starts Under Veil of Tension The 2010 Legislative Session began in a context full of tension. Although… Continue reading Governor Pawlenty solves FY 2010-11 deficit using federal resources, cuts to services
Brief
February 2010 Economic Forecast: Slightly better now, slightly worse later
March 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Minnesota’s short-term budget problems have eased slightly, according to the state’s February economic forecast. Last November, the forecast described a… Continue reading February 2010 Economic Forecast: Slightly better now, slightly worse later
Brief
November 2009 Forecast: Continued economic woes bring more big deficits
January 1, 2010 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
A drop in expected revenue has created a $1.2 billion budget deficit in Minnesota’s current two-year budget cycle, FY 2010-11,… Continue reading November 2009 Forecast: Continued economic woes bring more big deficits
Brief
Tax changes in the 2009 Legislative Session: Propsoals, vetoes, and unallotment
October 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes
The Legislature and Governor Pawlenty Disagreed on the Role of Taxes in Resolving the State’s Budget Shortfall The primary challenge… Continue reading Tax changes in the 2009 Legislative Session: Propsoals, vetoes, and unallotment
Brief
Unprecedented: Governor Pawlenty’s unallotments cut $2.7 billion from state budget
September 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
Governor Makes Unprecedented Use of Unallotment Authority The primary challenge of the 2009 Legislative Session was to address Minnesota’s considerable… Continue reading Unprecedented: Governor Pawlenty’s unallotments cut $2.7 billion from state budget
Brief
Surprise resolution to 2009 Legislative Session leaves long-term deficits
July 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
Brief
Few small business owners would be impacted by income tax increase on high-income households
May 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes
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 income tax increase on high-income households
Brief
Consequences of Governor Pawlenty’s FY 2010-11 budget proposal
April 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
Governor Pawlenty’s Budget Proposal Would Impact Struggling Minnesotans The State of Minnesota is in fiscal crisis. Minnesota faces a $6.4 billion… Continue reading Consequences of Governor Pawlenty’s FY 2010-11 budget proposal
Brief
Tax fairness in Minnesota declines further in 2006: Explaining the 2009 Tax Incidence Study
April 1, 2009 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
Recent Trends Erode Fairness of Minnesota’s Tax System Every two years, the Minnesota Department of Revenue puts out a comprehensive… Continue reading Tax fairness in Minnesota declines further in 2006: Explaining the 2009 Tax Incidence Study
Brief
Round two: Governor increases use of one-time resources in revised budget
April 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Governor’s Revised Budget Proposal Offers Short-Term Fix for Long-Term Budget Problems The real work of the 2009 Legislative Session –… Continue reading Round two: Governor increases use of one-time resources in revised budget
Brief
Revenue-raising options to help close Minnesota’s FY 2010-11 budget deficit
March 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota Must Balance its FY 2010-11 Budget A weaker economy than previously predicted has meant less revenue than predicted, resulting… Continue reading Revenue-raising options to help close Minnesota’s FY 2010-11 budget deficit
Brief
What is the Renters’ Credit/Circuit Breaker property tax refund?
March 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Minnesota’s property taxes are regressive, which means low- and middle-income Minnesotans pay a larger share of their income in property… Continue reading What is the Renters’ Credit/Circuit Breaker property tax refund?
Brief
Round one: Governor’s initial budget proposal focuses on spending cuts and one-time measures
February 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Budget Debate Begins The 2009 budget discussion began when Governor Pawlenty released his budget proposal in late January. The… Continue reading Round one: Governor’s initial budget proposal focuses on spending cuts and one-time measures
Brief
Kitchen table budget principles
January 27, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
A joint release with the Organizing Apprenticeship Project By Jermaine Toney, Organizing Apprenticeship Project The State of Minnesota, and Minnesota… Continue reading Kitchen table budget principles
Brief
Punting the problem: 2008 Legislative Session ends with a short-term solution
January 1, 2009 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook