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A look at the first federal policy steps to combat coronavirus, address economic impact
March 26, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The federal government has begun to respond to the coronavirus with legislation over the past few weeks. The first was… Continue reading A look at the first federal policy steps to combat coronavirus, address economic impact
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Walz and Legislature working to combat coronavirus
March 26, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Even though goings on at the Capitol look a little different right now in response to the novel coronavirus, policymakers… Continue reading Walz and Legislature working to combat coronavirus
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Minnesota moderately well prepared to respond to looming recession
March 25, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
As we grapple with a rapidly changing economy due to the coronavirus and an all but certain recession, a new… Continue reading Minnesota moderately well prepared to respond to looming recession
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Federal stimulus plans should include everyone facing hardship
March 24, 2020 • Nan Madden
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Federal Taxes, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
“At a time of crisis, it is much better to be generous and wide ranging than to be too targeted,”… Continue reading Federal stimulus plans should include everyone facing hardship
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Policymakers must act to prevent economic hardship, deep recession
March 17, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Work, Minnesota Budget
The corona virus is creating a public health emergency and economic disruption. Policymakers should act to alleviate financial hardship and reduce the threat of a deep recession.
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Caution, savings in Governor Walz’s proposed budget
March 12, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Governor Tim Walz’s FY 2020-21 supplemental budget proposal released today focuses on passing a significant capital investment or bonding package and making small,… Continue reading Caution, savings in Governor Walz’s proposed budget
Brief
What to wear when visiting the Capitol
March 3, 2020 • Denise Lor
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
If you’re visiting the Minnesota State Capitol to attend a hearing or visit your elected representative, you might wonder what… Continue reading What to wear when visiting the Capitol
Brief
Aprenda sobre el proceso presupuestario de Minnesota
March 2, 2020 • Sabrina Leung
Minnesota Budget
Todos somos parte importante del sistema tributario de Minnesota y podemos dar nuestra opinión en el congreso estatal, el Capitolio.… Continue reading Aprenda sobre el proceso presupuestario de Minnesota
Brief
Who receives the Renters’ Credit? (TY 2016)
February 28, 2020 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
Like all Minnesotans, Minnesota’s renters want safe, affordable homes for themselves and their families. But some Minnesotans earning low wages… Continue reading Who receives the Renters’ Credit? (TY 2016)
Brief
Who receives the Working Family Credit? (TY 2017)
February 28, 2020 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
The full version of this issue brief includes a table with data on the importance of the Working Family Credit to each… Continue reading Who receives the Working Family Credit? (TY 2017)
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Positive budget surplus is coupled with caution
February 27, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Minnesota’s positive budget balance coupled with continued modest economic growth give us short-term good news, however it also gives reasons for caution, with only a small structural balance in the next budget cycle before accounting for inflation and slowing economic growth in the future.
Brief
Minnesota capital budget timeline and process
February 26, 2020 • Sabrina Leung
Minnesota Budget
What is the bonding bill? What is a “capital project?” This infographic explains Minnesota’s capital — or bonding — budget… Continue reading Minnesota capital budget timeline and process
Brief
Minnesota should invest in the future: Inside the November 2019 Economic Forecast
February 12, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
The November 2019 Economic Forecast brought some positive news for now, but predicts a more challenging budget situation in the… Continue reading Minnesota should invest in the future: Inside the November 2019 Economic Forecast
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High rankings on health outcomes mask distressing racial disparities
February 10, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care
Minnesota’s overall high rank among states for various health outcomes masks worst-in-the-nation disparities. We must focus on addressing racial disparities and improving health equity to make Minnesota a state where everyone can live their healthiest lives.
Brief
The advocate’s fiscal toolbox
February 4, 2020 • Sabrina Leung
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Forecasts and economic updates Minnesota Management and Budget prepares economic forecasts of projected state revenues and expenditures in November and… Continue reading The advocate’s fiscal toolbox
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Legislative Budget Office will make its debut in upcoming session
January 28, 2020 • Betsy Hammer
Minnesota Budget
The 2020 Legislative Session will involve a new player: the Legislative Budget Office, or LBO. The LBO will be responsible for producing fiscal notes, working in concert with state agencies to estimate the fiscal impact of proposed legislation
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January economic outlook is brighter
January 27, 2020 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
January’s Economic Update brought us good short-term news: revenues are up, and the economy is growing at a good pace for now. However, with slower economic growth and potential for a recession on the horizon, policymakers should prioritize a strong budget reserve to be able to meet Minnesotans’ needs in future tough times.
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Minnesota’s November budget forecast offers some near-term good news, while pointing to the need for sustained revenues for investments
December 5, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Minnesota’s budget reserve is strengthened and the state’s budget outlook gives us short-term good news, according to today’s release of the November Budget and Economic Forecast by Minnesota Management and Budget.
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New research demonstrates unequivocally: Medicaid works, and work reporting requirements do not
November 25, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care
New research illustrates just how effective Medicaid is in improving peoples’ health, and just how dangerous limitations to access can be.
Brief
Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of “Public Charge”
November 25, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Income and Inclusive Economy
A co-release from the Minnesota Budget Project and the Fiscal Policy Institute In August 2019, the Department of Homeland Security… Continue reading Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of “Public Charge”
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Minnesota’s budget reserve is strong, let’s keep it strong
November 7, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Every year, Minnesota Management and Budget gives Minnesotans an estimate of what the state needs in its “rainy day” fund… Continue reading Minnesota’s budget reserve is strong, let’s keep it strong
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Census 2020: It’s a big deal
October 23, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues
Here at the Minnesota Budget Project, we rely on the Census Bureau and its excellent data because it helps us… Continue reading Census 2020: It’s a big deal
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Minnesota’s October Economic Update shows good news for revenues, but the future’s not all roses
October 22, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released October Revenue and Economic Update gave us some improved news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly… Continue reading Minnesota’s October Economic Update shows good news for revenues, but the future’s not all roses
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Census data illustrate opportunity gaps
October 17, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Even in this relatively strong economy, nearly 1 in 10 Minnesotans find that lack of good paying jobs, challenging transportation obstacles, and other barriers make it hard to afford the essentials, much less get ahead.
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New Census data shows some positive trends, but not everyone benefits
September 10, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Federal Issues, Health Care, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The Census Bureau released new data today showing a 0.5 percent reduction in national poverty rates, making 2018 the fourth… Continue reading New Census data shows some positive trends, but not everyone benefits
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Minnesota has lots of opportunities to support immigrants, strengthen economy, according to new report
September 5, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
During a time when immigrants are being targeted by harsh federal policies, states have a unique role to play to… Continue reading Minnesota has lots of opportunities to support immigrants, strengthen economy, according to new report
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Trump administration continues assault on New Americans with new rule
August 21, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration
A new “public charge” policy would make it harder for New Americans to keep their families together and puts new roadblocks on their path to citizenship.
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Final transportation budget bill falls short of meeting the needs of Minnesotans
August 12, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Despite several proposals put forward this legislative session to increase the amount of resources dedicated to building and maintaining Minnesota’s roads, bridges, and transit infrastructure, the FY 2020-21 budget only raises minimal additional revenues.
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Minnesota’s July Economic Update shows higher revenues, economic growth for now
July 12, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released July Revenue and Economic Update gave us somewhat good news about the state’s economic and budget landscape.
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Final education budget makes important investments, but leaves more to do to support all Minnesota students
July 3, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
The final E-12 education and higher education budgets for FY 2020-21 make important strides toward ensuring that more students across… Continue reading Final education budget makes important investments, but leaves more to do to support all Minnesota students
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Raiding the state’s budget reserve today could hurt everyday Minnesotans tomorrow
July 2, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
It’s imperative to build a strong budget reserve when the state’s economic outlook is good, and Minnesota has made laudable progress. But that budget reserve will only work if we keep it strong and only use it when it’s needed.
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Final tax plan boosts tax credits for working Minnesotans, but falls short on future stability
June 24, 2019 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The 2019 tax bill agreed to by Governor Tim Walz and the Minnesota Legislature in the recently completed special legislative session includes both important hits and worrisome misses.
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Critical funding for health care preserved but small gains in support for families
June 19, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
Overall, the final HHS budget agreement is a mixed bag for Minnesotans.
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Global budget deal reached Sunday; more work needed to pass final budget
May 21, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
On Sunday evening after weeks of negotiations, legislative leaders and Governor Tim Walz announced a global budget deal. This deal… Continue reading Global budget deal reached Sunday; more work needed to pass final budget
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All tax plans on the table raise revenues: the difference is how much and who benefits
May 17, 2019 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The negotiations to reach a budget deal this session have at times been characterized as a debate between raising taxes… Continue reading All tax plans on the table raise revenues: the difference is how much and who benefits
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New data tool allows everyone to find local data about impact of health care, provider tax
May 15, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care
The Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) rolled out powerful new web-based tools chock-full of data about health care. The… Continue reading New data tool allows everyone to find local data about impact of health care, provider tax
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Affordable child care: Good for all
May 9, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Minnesota Budget
At this point in the legislative session, there’s a lot of attention to the negotiations about budget numbers. Those are… Continue reading Affordable child care: Good for all
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Provider tax: Why now is the time to repeal the sunset
May 6, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota’s health care provider tax raises nearly $680 million annually for affordable health care and investments in healthy communities across… Continue reading Provider tax: Why now is the time to repeal the sunset
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Driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status is good for Minnesotans, good for the economy
May 6, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Minnesota Budget
The Minnesota House passed expanded access to driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status as part of their omnibus transportation budget bill.
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Real people, real communities: Why maintaining the provider tax is so important
May 6, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
It’s hard to avoid news about the health care provider tax if you follow politics in Minnesota. Our state’s provider… Continue reading Real people, real communities: Why maintaining the provider tax is so important
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A tale of two HHS omnibus bills: House and Senate offer dramatically different visions
April 29, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
The Minnesota House and Senate have wrapped up committee work on their omnibus budget bills. They present starkly opposed visions… Continue reading A tale of two HHS omnibus bills: House and Senate offer dramatically different visions
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Minnesota’s April Economic Update shows small improvements
April 17, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The recently released April Revenue and Economic Update gave us good news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report… Continue reading Minnesota’s April Economic Update shows small improvements
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Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposals in E-12 education and higher ed invest more in Minnesota’s students
April 16, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Governor Tim Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposal includes provisions that support students across the state, as well as more targeted funding intended to… Continue reading Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposals in E-12 education and higher ed invest more in Minnesota’s students
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Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 transportation proposal increases gas tax and other revenues to pay for Minnesota’s roads and transit
April 9, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Governor Tim Walz’s FY 2020-21 budget proposal includes a substantial transportation component. Minnesotans count on their roadways to get to work,… Continue reading Governor Walz’s FY 2020-21 transportation proposal increases gas tax and other revenues to pay for Minnesota’s roads and transit
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Walz tax plan expands Working Family Credit, funds investments in schools and communities
April 8, 2019 • Nan Madden
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Narrowly defined, the primary responsibility for policymakers this legislative session is to pass the state’s next two-year budget. But more… Continue reading Walz tax plan expands Working Family Credit, funds investments in schools and communities
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Senate budget targets call for few investments, mostly flat funding
April 4, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The Minnesota Senate’s budget targets, released last week, give a high level picture of their budget outline. The Senate’s “Advancing… Continue reading Senate budget targets call for few investments, mostly flat funding
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Provider tax: The proven way to fund affordable health care for Minnesotans
April 3, 2019 • Betsy Hammer
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Minnesota’s provider tax is a proven and time-tested way to ensure Minnesotans have affordable health care. In contrast, the state of Michigan experimented with a few types of health-related taxes, and discovered various problems with these alternative sources – including insufficient revenues and problems with federal regulations.
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Prioritize Minnesota workers and their families by expanding the Working Family Credit
April 1, 2019 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Every day, hard-working Minnesota families struggle to make ends meet, often spending every dollar they earn to pay for the… Continue reading Prioritize Minnesota workers and their families by expanding the Working Family Credit
Brief
How to read the governor’s budget
April 1, 2019 • Sabrina Leung
Minnesota Budget
This document walks through how to read the general fund statement and budget book pages that come out with the… Continue reading How to read the governor’s budget
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Governor Walz’s revised budget raises additional revenues, adjusts spending to build shared prosperity
March 28, 2019 • Clark Goldenrod
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
Governor Tim Walz’s revised budget retains the Walz/Flanagan administration’s “One Minnesota” priorities, and augments the surplus by maintaining and raising revenues to invest in health care, education, broader economic opportunity, and transportation.