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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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What are the state budget implications of a potential national recession?
October 26, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
While the state of Minnesota’s revenues have continued to come in better than expected, more serious economic challenges are expected… Continue reading What are the state budget implications of a potential national recession?
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Inflation Reduction Act advances economic relief, tax equity, and climate response
October 25, 2022 • Joo Ning Lim
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Health Care
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) marks the latest federal effort to help families make ends meet while delivering transformative investments… Continue reading Inflation Reduction Act advances economic relief, tax equity, and climate response
Brief
Inadequate state funding puts higher education further out of reach
August 22, 2022 • Joo Ning Lim
Minnesota Budget
Higher education is a steppingstone for many Minnesotans to further their career goals, gain advanced qualifications in their field of choice,… Continue reading Inadequate state funding puts higher education further out of reach
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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.
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Open position: policy analyst will shape policies that advance economic and racial justice
July 26, 2022 • Laura Mortenson
Uncategorized
The Minnesota Budget Project is hiring a policy analyst who will shape state policies that advance economic and racial justice.
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State revenues are strong, but national economy is weakening
July 14, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state of Minnesota’s revenue picture for FY 2022 remains solid, but the national economic recovery is expected to be… Continue reading State revenues are strong, but national economy is weakening
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Mental health bill takes important steps forward in addressing state’s crisis
June 7, 2022 • Becca O'Donnell
Health Care, Minnesota Budget
Minnesota legislators took important steps toward shoring up our state’s mental health system by allocating $93 million over three years aimed at increasing the number of providers, supporting mental health crisis services, and reducing racial disparities in mental health services.
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A closer look at the 2022 tax agreement
June 2, 2022 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Minnesota’s 2022 Legislative Session ended on May 23 with much unfinished business, including a tax agreement reached by the House and Senate conference committee that was not enacted into law. This agreement reflected the two different philosophies that the Republican majority in the Minnesota Senate and the Democratic majority in the Minnesota House brought into those negotiations.
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What passed, what’s unfinished business after end of 2022 Legislative Session
May 27, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
On Monday, the 2022 Legislative Session officially ended, but what did policymakers actually pass into law? With a historic projected… Continue reading What passed, what’s unfinished business after end of 2022 Legislative Session
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Lack of public investment shifts costs of college education to students and families
May 23, 2022 • Joo Ning Lim
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget
Higher education is a steppingstone for many Minnesotans to further their career goals, gain advanced qualifications in their field of… Continue reading Lack of public investment shifts costs of college education to students and families
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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
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A quick look at the global budget agreement
May 19, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders announced targets on Wednesday for how they propose to allocate the remainder of the… Continue reading A quick look at the global budget agreement
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House education proposals increase supports for students; Senate offers minimal changes
May 16, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
The Minnesota House and Senate present differing approaches to support students in their supplemental budget proposals. The House’s budget proposes… Continue reading House education proposals increase supports for students; Senate offers minimal changes
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Minnesota should do more to support families and child care providers
May 4, 2022 • Becca O'Donnell
Child Care, Minnesota Budget
Before the COVID pandemic, families struggled to afford rising child care costs, while at the same time, child care workers… Continue reading Minnesota should do more to support families and child care providers
Brief
How to find more information about how Minnesota’s American Rescue Plan funds are being used
May 3, 2022 • Sabrina Leung
Federal Budget
Thanks to the passage of the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), some $8.5 billion is flowing to the state of… Continue reading How to find more information about how Minnesota’s American Rescue Plan funds are being used
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Minnesota House releases their budget targets
April 26, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
The Minnesota House’s newly released budget targets lay out their priorities for use of the state’s substantial budget surplus. They outline… Continue reading Minnesota House releases their budget targets
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House tax bill includes transformational changes to the Renters’ Credit
April 21, 2022 • Joo Ning Lim
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The Minnesota House has proposed revolutionary changes to simplify the Renters’ Credit and significantly expand the number of low- and… Continue reading House tax bill includes transformational changes to the Renters’ Credit
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Policymakers should do more for workers with disabilities
April 21, 2022 • Becca O'Donnell
Health Care, Minnesota Budget
House and Senate bills take different approaches to human services and health care Supports for workers who care for elderly… Continue reading Policymakers should do more for workers with disabilities
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Minnesota April Economic Update includes first estimates of impact of Russia invasion of Ukraine
April 15, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state of Minnesota’s revenue picture to date is still solid, but the national economic recovery is now expected to… Continue reading Minnesota April Economic Update includes first estimates of impact of Russia invasion of Ukraine
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Minnesota House and Senate lay out their budget and tax priorities
April 14, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
After we published this blog, the House released their budget targets. For updated House figures, check out Minnesota House releases… Continue reading Minnesota House and Senate lay out their budget and tax priorities
Brief
Costly first bracket income tax cut leaves out everyday Minnesotans
April 7, 2022 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
The path to a stronger, more equitable recovery is through strengthening public services so that all Minnesotans, their families, and… Continue reading Costly first bracket income tax cut leaves out everyday Minnesotans
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Walz’s updated budget proposal responds to larger state budget surplus
April 6, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Policymakers have a historic opportunity this year to tackle the ongoing health and economic effects of the pandemic, and make… Continue reading Walz’s updated budget proposal responds to larger state budget surplus
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How do Minnesota policymakers want to use Minnesota’s remaining ARP flexible funds?
March 25, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Minnesota has unprecedented levels of resources to draw from this legislative session, including a large projected budget surplus and federal funding… Continue reading How do Minnesota policymakers want to use Minnesota’s remaining ARP flexible funds?
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
Public investments make health care affordable and save lives
March 3, 2022 • Becca O'Donnell
Health Care, Minnesota Budget
Health care should be accessible and affordable for all, regardless of paycheck, address, race, ethnicity, gender, or disability. Minnesota has… Continue reading Public investments make health care affordable and save lives
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New budget forecast continues to show resources available to build an equitable recovery
March 1, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The State of Minnesota is expected to see unprecedented levels of resources, including a strong boost in the short-term numbers,… Continue reading New budget forecast continues to show resources available to build an equitable recovery
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A first look at Governor Walz’s supplemental budget proposal
February 2, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The state of Minnesota has resources to draw on to start building a more equitable future, focusing on what Minnesotans… Continue reading A first look at Governor Walz’s supplemental budget proposal
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A first look at Governor Walz’s budget proposal on expanding economic opportunity
January 21, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The state of Minnesota is projecting an historic $7.7 billion surplus for the current FY 2022-2023 budget cycle. This presents… Continue reading A first look at Governor Walz’s budget proposal on expanding economic opportunity
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States’ use of ARP flexible funds should prioritize a robust and equitable pandemic recovery
January 14, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget
Many states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, have used their federal Fiscal Recovery Funds (FRF) to respond to… Continue reading States’ use of ARP flexible funds should prioritize a robust and equitable pandemic recovery
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Newest state revenue update affirms substantial resources are available to build an equitable recovery
January 14, 2022 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state of Minnesota’s revenue picture continues to improve, but the national economic recovery is expected to be a little… Continue reading Newest state revenue update affirms substantial resources are available to build an equitable recovery
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
Brief
Putting American Rescue Plan dollars to work for Minnesota: Major funding sources to state and local governments
December 17, 2021 • Nan Madden
Federal Budget
Thanks to the federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) signed in March 2021, Minnesota state and local governments will receive about… Continue reading Putting American Rescue Plan dollars to work for Minnesota: Major funding sources to state and local governments
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Historic state budget forecast presents historic opportunity
December 8, 2021 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The forecast projects a $7.7 billion general fund surplus for the current FY 2022-23 budget cycle, and a $6.0 billion structural balance for the upcoming FY 2024-25 budget cycle. These projections represent a historic opportunity to make transformational changes to build a more equitable recovery.
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Potential state surplus could trigger reserve and tax changes
November 29, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook, Minnesota Taxes
As leaves change, and the days get colder and shorter, we’re getting ready for our favorite forecast – the state’s… Continue reading Potential state surplus could trigger reserve and tax changes
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Latest data point to opportunity – and need – to build a stronger recovery
October 26, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Even as the state’s revenues came in higher, the national economic outlook has weakened due to the spread of the delta variant of COVID-19 and supply chain disruptions. Read our take-aways and how policymakers should respond.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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Research and analysis wonk? Check out our open position
September 9, 2021 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The Minnesota Budget Project team is excited to announce our search for a Research Analyst who will produce timely and credible research… Continue reading Research and analysis wonk? Check out our open position
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
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
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State’s July economic update shows strong revenue numbers
July 22, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
We’re getting “back to normal”, but that isn’t enough The state of Minnesota’s revenue and economic picture continues to improve,… Continue reading State’s July economic update shows strong revenue numbers
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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.
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Passionate about public policy? We’re hiring a policy analyst
July 6, 2021 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
The Minnesota Budget Project team is excited to announce our search for a Policy Analyst who will produce analysis, identify, and… Continue reading Passionate about public policy? We’re hiring a policy analyst
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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
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Racial opportunity gaps persist despite prosperity for some
June 7, 2021 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
A national study finds that Minnesota is one of the worst states for racial disparities in economic security and opportunities… Continue reading Racial opportunity gaps persist despite prosperity for some
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A quick look at the legislative global budget agreement
May 18, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Governor Tim Walz and legislative leaders Monday announced their targets for the FY 2022-23 budget and how they will approach… Continue reading A quick look at the legislative global budget agreement
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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