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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, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
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
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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.