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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
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Governor and Legislature lay out their visions for the FY 2022-23 budget
May 14, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
What do Minnesotans need to get through the continuing disruption from a pandemic and economic recession, and how do we… Continue reading Governor and Legislature lay out their visions for the FY 2022-23 budget
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Over 100 organizations ask state leaders to make bold investments and raise revenues
May 7, 2021 • Meghan Marriott
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
As the end of the 2021 Legislative Session inches closer, over 100 organizations from around Minnesota have called on state… Continue reading Over 100 organizations ask state leaders to make bold investments and raise revenues
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What does improved April economic update mean for budget negotiations?
May 3, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state’s economic picture has improved compared to the February forecast, according to the recent April Revenue and Economic Update.… Continue reading What does improved April economic update mean for budget negotiations?
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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
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Walz’s supplemental budget calls for resources for greater investments
April 15, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
We have called on policymakers to take bold action to respond to the health, economic, and racial justice crises before… Continue reading Walz’s supplemental budget calls for resources for greater investments
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We’re hiring a research intern
April 8, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Uncategorized
The Minnesota Budget Project is hiring a research intern to work with our team this summer. This internship provides an opportunity… Continue reading We’re hiring a research intern
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The American Rescue Plan – a buoy for workers, families, essential public services, and the economy
April 6, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The American Rescue Plan provides important and much needed economic support for struggling workers and their families, will protect and expand crucial public services that they count on, and will further jumpstart the economy, but funding is largely focused on the near-term.
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Budget forecast shows welcome news but Minnesota needs resources for an equitable future
March 2, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state’s new budget projections give the latest on the continuing impact of the pandemic, and a preliminary sense of the… Continue reading Budget forecast shows welcome news but Minnesota needs resources for an equitable future
Brief
Who receives the Renters’ Credit? (TY 2018)
March 1, 2021 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
The full version of this issue brief includes a table of data on the impact of the Renters’ Credit in each Minnesota… Continue reading Who receives the Renters’ Credit? (TY 2018)
Brief
Time to invest in affordable child care
February 16, 2021 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Minnesota Budget
Affordable, dependable child care helps children thrive, parents work or go to school, and employers fill essential job openings. But… Continue reading Time to invest in affordable child care
Brief
COVID-induced recession is most unequal on record
February 4, 2021 • Betsy Hammer
Inequality of pandemic’s impact can be illustrated by the “K-Shaped” economy As we put behind us a year for the… Continue reading COVID-induced recession is most unequal on record
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Walz’s proposed budget includes strong and fair revenues
January 27, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Governor Tim Walz released what he called his “COVID-19 Recovery Budget” in the context of health, economic, and state revenue crises.
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January economic update shows some improvement
January 21, 2021 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state’s economic picture has improved compared to the November forecast, but COVID-19 and the economic fallout are still hurting many Minnesotans’ health and economic stability, according to the state of Minnesota’s recent January Revenue and Economic Update.
Brief
Affordable Care Act: Minnesota has much at stake
January 13, 2021 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Budget, Health Care
A decade ago, the Affordable Care Act – also known as the ACA or “Obamacare” – became the law of… Continue reading Affordable Care Act: Minnesota has much at stake
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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
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A deep dive into budget forecast: what it does and doesn’t tell us
December 18, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Minnesota isn’t sustainably bringing in enough revenues to fund its current commitments, which is showing up in a projected $1.3… Continue reading A deep dive into budget forecast: what it does and doesn’t tell us
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Legislature passes supports for Minnesota workers and businesses
December 18, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Minnesota legislators voted to provide much-needed economic supports to workers and businesses in a one-day session earlier this week. As… Continue reading Legislature passes supports for Minnesota workers and businesses
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November forecast notes challenges but Minnesota can draw on resources so we can care for each other
December 1, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state’s budget forecast highlights that improved state revenue figures are not necessarily tied to better well-being for everyday Minnesotans.
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October special session legislation includes first-time efforts for equity in bonding package
October 30, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota policymakers passed a long-awaited infrastructure package when they convened on October 12 for their fifth special session of the… Continue reading October special session legislation includes first-time efforts for equity in bonding package
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Economic update shows COVID-19’s impact, need for federal action
October 15, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
COVID-19 is still a major threat to the country’s health, economy, and public services we all count on. The state… Continue reading Economic update shows COVID-19’s impact, need for federal action
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Budget reserve is one tool to put people first during tough times
October 6, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Every year, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) gives Minnesotans an estimate of what the state needs in its “rainy day”… Continue reading Budget reserve is one tool to put people first during tough times
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State budget process kicks off amid unusual uncertainty
October 1, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Fresh pencils for back to school, shorter days, bright red maples – these are a few of the classic harbingers of… Continue reading State budget process kicks off amid unusual uncertainty
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Quick facts to understanding the Minneapolis Police Department budget
September 24, 2020 • Abimael Chavez-Hernandez
Minnesota Budget
The killing of George Floyd in the hands of the Minneapolis Police Department sparked global protests and conversations all across the U.S.… Continue reading Quick facts to understanding the Minneapolis Police Department budget
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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
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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
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Minnesota expecting continued revenue shortfalls; time for strong federal action
August 10, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook, Minnesota Taxes
Last week brought us more sobering news about the ongoing damage that COVID-19 is expected to have on the economy,… Continue reading Minnesota expecting continued revenue shortfalls; time for strong federal action
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
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New data confirm states need more federal Medicaid support
August 3, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
What does a global pandemic plus a severe economic recession equal? More people who need affordable health care. We’re seeing data… Continue reading New data confirm states need more federal Medicaid support
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US Senate COVID-19 relief package falls dramatically short of what nation needs
July 28, 2020 • Laura Mortenson
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
Millions of people across the country are suffering and having a hard time just getting by. In the face of… Continue reading US Senate COVID-19 relief package falls dramatically short of what nation needs
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July economic update shows state will need all the tools in the toolbox
July 14, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook, Minnesota Taxes
The state’s quarterly economic report shows that projections for the national economy have gotten even worse. While state revenues have come in a bit ahead of what was predicted in May, the state is still on track for a more than $2 billion budget shortfall for the current budget cycle.
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Bonnie Tyler wasn’t wrong: We need a HERO
July 9, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work
The HEROES (Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emergency Solutions) Act proposal is a needed Congressional effort to address the ongoing… Continue reading Bonnie Tyler wasn’t wrong: We need a HERO
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Special session victory: common-sense approaches reduce barriers during pandemic
July 7, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care, Income and Work
Common-sense measures to remove barriers to health care, food support, and other needed services will continue, thanks to legislation passed in the June special legislative session.
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Work remains to advance health, safety, and economic security
July 2, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
What did and did not happen in the June special session to address Minnesotans’ health, safety, and economic priorities?
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Special session begins; Minnesotans call for bold action
June 15, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The COVID-19 crisis, and the longstanding crises in policing and racial inequity in Minnesota, have damaged our health, livelihoods, and communities. Policymakers must take bold steps to better ensure Minnesotans can stay healthy, safe, and get by economically in the immediate term, and invest in resilience in all communities for the future.
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
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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.
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Additional federal funding to states is time-critical
May 6, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget
Federal policymakers should move quickly to direct significant additional funding to states, as well as local and tribal governments, to address the severe impacts of the public health emergency and the economic recession, and to prevent the economic downturn from getting worse.
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May budget report reveals the need to support everyday folks
May 5, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The May budget projection will guide the decisions that policymakers make in the remaining weeks of the legislative session, and the months beyond. They remind us of how many of our neighbors are struggling, and the importance of taking swift action to reduce the hardships that Minnesotans and their families are facing as a result of the pandemic, and to start building for the economic recovery.
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Increased Medicaid funding to states protects health care, critical services
May 4, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues, Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
While they have taken some preliminary steps, federal decision-makers should further boost the Medicaid dollars it sends to states, make that increase last until the economy recovers, and maintain strong requirements to protect health care coverage.
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Bold action needed to get through crisis, build equitable recovery
May 1, 2020 • Nan Madden
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesotans are doing their part. We must be able to count on Minnesota policymakers to continue to take aggressive action to meet the public health and economic security needs of everyday Minnesotans, and to draw on the resources needed to do so.
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April economic changes bring May budget projections
April 29, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The novel coronavirus pandemic is having a significant effect on Minnesotans’ physical and mental health of Minnesotans. Unprecedented businesses closures… Continue reading April economic changes bring May budget projections
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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.
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Minnesota’s April economic update
April 14, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
It’s a bigger deal than usual, but doesn’t yet have all the answers: The April Revenue and Economic Update is a first look at the economic and fiscal impacts of the coronavirus crisis in Minnesota. The quarterly report from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) shows that state revenues have dropped considerably and the national economy has likely fallen into recession.
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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.
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The Federal CARES Act: What’s in the economic stimulus bill, who is left out
April 3, 2020 • Nan Madden
Child Care, Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
We’ve called for an inclusive approach to the public health crisis and the related economic impact. While the latest federal… Continue reading The Federal CARES Act: What’s in the economic stimulus bill, who is left out
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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