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Minnesota’s July Economic Update shows slightly lower revenues, economic growth on track
July 12, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
This week’s July Revenue and Economic Update gave us mixed news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report… Continue reading Minnesota’s July Economic Update shows slightly lower revenues, economic growth on track
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Takeaways from U.S. Senate health care proposal: 22 million more uninsured, higher costs for many
July 6, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Health Care
On June 22, Republicans in the U.S. Senate revealed their Better Care Reconciliation Act (BCRA) proposal to “repeal and replace”… Continue reading Takeaways from U.S. Senate health care proposal: 22 million more uninsured, higher costs for many
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DACA recipients make important tax contributions to Minnesota
June 22, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy
Minnesota’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) recipients pay an estimated $15 million in state and local taxes, according to a report… Continue reading DACA recipients make important tax contributions to Minnesota
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Republicans’ federal health care bill devastating to Minnesotans, would shift significant responsibility to the state
June 19, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Health Care
Minnesota’s costs to ensure health care for a particular group of Minnesotans would increase by 228 percent in 2021 if… Continue reading Republicans’ federal health care bill devastating to Minnesotans, would shift significant responsibility to the state
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Threats to Medicaid are a threat to Minnesota newborns, seniors, and everyone in-between
May 31, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Issues, Health Care
For more than 50 years, Medicaid has played a crucial role in the American health insurance landscape. In Minnesota, this state-federal… Continue reading Threats to Medicaid are a threat to Minnesota newborns, seniors, and everyone in-between
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President Trump’s budget proposal hurts people, communities, Minnesota
May 23, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Budget, Federal Issues
President Donald Trump’s budget proposal hurts our nation’s families, communities, and state and local finances. It undermines basic tenets of… Continue reading President Trump’s budget proposal hurts people, communities, Minnesota
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Legislature’s Health and Human Services bill makes drastic cuts to health care for families and children, relies on gimmicks
May 18, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care, Health Care, Minnesota Budget
On May 9, the Minnesota Legislature passed a Health and Human Services (HHS) omnibus bill that reduces general fund spending on HHS… Continue reading Legislature’s Health and Human Services bill makes drastic cuts to health care for families and children, relies on gimmicks
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Balanced tax bill should be the goal; Legislature’s tax bill has a ways to go
May 17, 2017 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
There’s more to be done to get to a tax bill that takes a balanced approach between tax cuts and… Continue reading Balanced tax bill should be the goal; Legislature’s tax bill has a ways to go
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Legislature’s higher education budget makes some financial aid investments but misses important opportunity
May 17, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Policymakers have put together their visions for Higher Education in FY 2018-19. The Legislature’s conference committee report includes $125 million… Continue reading Legislature’s higher education budget makes some financial aid investments but misses important opportunity
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House Republicans vote to slash more than $1 trillion from federal health insurance while giving giant tax cut to nation’s wealthiest
May 16, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Budget, Federal Issues, Health Care
Earlier this month, Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives voted to cut roughly $1 trillion of support for Americans’… Continue reading House Republicans vote to slash more than $1 trillion from federal health insurance while giving giant tax cut to nation’s wealthiest
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Estate tax cuts are one of top priorities in Legislature’s tax proposal
May 9, 2017 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes
We look to our policymakers to best position Minnesota to build on our state’s strengths and expand economic security to… Continue reading Estate tax cuts are one of top priorities in Legislature’s tax proposal
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Minnesota’s FY 2018-19 budget being put together
May 9, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
In these final weeks of this legislative session, policymakers are putting together the state budget for the FY 2018-19 biennium,… Continue reading Minnesota’s FY 2018-19 budget being put together
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Renters pay for others’ tax cuts in House bill
April 24, 2017 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
It may come as a surprise that the House omnibus tax bill, which has over $1 billion in tax breaks… Continue reading Renters pay for others’ tax cuts in House bill
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New state data highlight increasing importance of investing in child care assistance
April 19, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) makes child care affordable for about 30,000 Minnesota children all across the state, including… Continue reading New state data highlight increasing importance of investing in child care assistance
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Will Real ID conference committee pass “clean” bill?
April 14, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration
When legislators come back to the capitol next week, a conference committee will work to determine what path Minnesota will… Continue reading Will Real ID conference committee pass “clean” bill?
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Minnesota’s April Economic Update shows higher revenues, economic growth on track
April 14, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
This week’s April Revenue and Economic Update gave us some good news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The… Continue reading Minnesota’s April Economic Update shows higher revenues, economic growth on track
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Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget makes additional investments, primarily in pre-k
March 29, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Earlier this month, Governor Mark Dayton released his supplemental budget for FY 2018-19, which makes a number of changes to… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s supplemental budget makes additional investments, primarily in pre-k
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Trump’s budget proposes cuts in services for most vulnerable and in funding to states
March 28, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Budget, Federal Issues
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump released his budget outline for federal discretionary spending. (That’s a fancy name for spending that… Continue reading Trump’s budget proposes cuts in services for most vulnerable and in funding to states
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Senate budget targets call for tax cuts, cuts to health and human services, some investments
March 28, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The Minnesota Senate recently released its budget targets, which describe how they propose using the state’s projected $1.7 billion surplus in… Continue reading Senate budget targets call for tax cuts, cuts to health and human services, some investments
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House targets bring déjà vu – similar to Senate’s targets, they focus on huge tax cuts, big cut to health and human services
March 18, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
This post was updated on March 29 in response to updated targets. Last week the Minnesota House of Representatives released… Continue reading House targets bring déjà vu – similar to Senate’s targets, they focus on huge tax cuts, big cut to health and human services
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Congressional Budget Office: Republican health care plan would do little to resolve Minnesota’s insurance market woes and would mean 24 million more uninsured
March 17, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Budget, Federal Issues
On Monday, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released an analysis detailing how the American Health Care Act (AHCA) would… Continue reading Congressional Budget Office: Republican health care plan would do little to resolve Minnesota’s insurance market woes and would mean 24 million more uninsured
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Focus in economic development, housing, transportation is expanding opportunity for Greater Minnesota, people of color
March 15, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Note: This blog is part of a series on Governor Mark Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget proposal, including his HHS budget, his education budget and… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Focus in economic development, housing, transportation is expanding opportunity for Greater Minnesota, people of color
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ACA replacement: Huge tax cuts for the wealthiest while raising costs and cutting care for struggling Minnesotans
March 12, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Issues, Health Care
The Republican plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) doesn’t just slash the federal government’s commitment to health care… Continue reading ACA replacement: Huge tax cuts for the wealthiest while raising costs and cutting care for struggling Minnesotans
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Undocumented immigrants pay $83 million in state taxes, would pay more with immigration reform
March 9, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work, Minnesota Taxes
Undocumented immigrants play a vital role in Minnesota’s economy and currently pay an estimated $83 million in state and local… Continue reading Undocumented immigrants pay $83 million in state taxes, would pay more with immigration reform
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ACA replacement bill would raise costs for health insurance for many Minnesotans and slash federal funding for health care
March 8, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Federal Issues, Health Care
Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a plan this week that would slash the federal commitment to affordable… Continue reading ACA replacement bill would raise costs for health insurance for many Minnesotans and slash federal funding for health care
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: HHS investments focus on Minnesota’s most vulnerable, preserves provider tax
March 6, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Minnesota Budget
Governor Mark Dayton’s budget makes important new investments in health and human services, largely centered on health care and families with… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: HHS investments focus on Minnesota’s most vulnerable, preserves provider tax
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Increased spending includes early ed, student formula, and narrowing achievement gap
March 6, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
Note: This blog is part of a series on Governor Mark Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget proposal, including his HHS budget, his economic… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget: Increased spending includes early ed, student formula, and narrowing achievement gap
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Legislative task force recommends improvements to Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program
March 1, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
A bipartisan task force of Minnesota legislators heard from parents, providers and employers about the challenges that a lack of affordable, accessible… Continue reading Legislative task force recommends improvements to Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program
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February Economic Forecast shows surpluses, but forecasters cite federal uncertainty and need for caution
February 28, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The state’s Minnesota Management and Budget released the February Budget and Economic Forecast today. Here are our top takeaways: The February forecast… Continue reading February Economic Forecast shows surpluses, but forecasters cite federal uncertainty and need for caution
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Local interference bill moving through Legislature would inhibit local governments from meeting needs of their communities
February 27, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Local interference bills, which prevent local governments from setting higher wage and job quality standards for private-sector employees than state law,… Continue reading Local interference bill moving through Legislature would inhibit local governments from meeting needs of their communities
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Updated analysis on growing need for investment in child care assistance
February 14, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
The latest data on child care show that about 4,000 fewer families will have access to Basic Sliding Fee Child… Continue reading Updated analysis on growing need for investment in child care assistance
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National report: The past 16 years have not been kind to Minnesotans struggling to afford child care
February 3, 2017 • Ben Horowitz
Child Care
Child care helps entire families thrive by providing safe, nurturing environments for kids while allowing parents the opportunity to succeed… Continue reading National report: The past 16 years have not been kind to Minnesotans struggling to afford child care
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Immigrants and refugees vital to the economy and our communities
February 2, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Federal Issues, Immigration
President Donald Trump announced three executive orders last week that dramatically change federal policy related to immigrants and refugees in the… Continue reading Immigrants and refugees vital to the economy and our communities
Brief
Time to invest in affordable child care through Basic Sliding Fee
February 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Child Care, Minnesota Budget
Affordable, dependable child care allows children to thrive, parents to get to work or school, and employers to fill crucial… Continue reading Time to invest in affordable child care through Basic Sliding Fee
Brief
Caution is key: Inside the February 2017 Economic Forecast
February 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The February 2017 Economic Forecast brought some fairly good news. The state of Minnesota continues to be in positive budget… Continue reading Caution is key: Inside the February 2017 Economic Forecast
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Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget prioritizes investments in broader prosperity
January 25, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget
In his release of his FY 2018-19 budget proposal Tuesday, Governor Mark Dayton outlined his priorities as an “Opportunity Agenda” that would… Continue reading Governor Dayton’s FY 2018-19 budget prioritizes investments in broader prosperity
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House Real ID bill includes unnecessary, harmful language
January 24, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
A bill to bring our state’s driver’s licenses up to required federal Real ID standards (House File 3) is currently… Continue reading House Real ID bill includes unnecessary, harmful language
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January Economic Update shows lower revenues, higher economic projections
January 17, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Last week’s January Revenue and Economic Update gave us some mixed news about the state’s economic and budget landscape. The quarterly report from… Continue reading January Economic Update shows lower revenues, higher economic projections
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Racial wealth gap is wide and growing larger: 228 year gap for black families, 84 year gap for Latino families
January 9, 2017 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy
If black family wealth continues to grow at the same pace as the past three decades, it will take more than 200… Continue reading Racial wealth gap is wide and growing larger: 228 year gap for black families, 84 year gap for Latino families
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Everyday Minnesotans are the focus of Dayton 2017 tax plan
January 5, 2017 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
Expanding economic opportunity in Minnesota should be a top priority of the 2017 Legislative Session, and two effective strategies to… Continue reading Everyday Minnesotans are the focus of Dayton 2017 tax plan
Brief
Prioritize working families by strengthening the Working Family Credit
January 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
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 working families by strengthening the Working Family Credit
Brief
Uncertainty means caution necessary: Inside the November 2016 Economic Forecast
January 1, 2017 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The November 2016 Economic Forecast brought some fairly good news. The state of Minnesota continues to be in positive budget… Continue reading Uncertainty means caution necessary: Inside the November 2016 Economic Forecast
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Minnesota’s stake in the Affordable Care Act debate: $16.4 billion loss in federal funding and 380,000 more Minnesotans without insurance
December 15, 2016 • Ben Horowitz
Health Care
Without health insurance, broken legs or difficult diagnoses can lead to shattered finances and force families to choose between their… Continue reading Minnesota’s stake in the Affordable Care Act debate: $16.4 billion loss in federal funding and 380,000 more Minnesotans without insurance
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Strong budget reserve is fiscally responsible, essential to support Minnesotans in next economic downturn
December 14, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget
In recent years, Minnesota has taken important steps to build up the state’s budget reserve. And thanks to this good… Continue reading Strong budget reserve is fiscally responsible, essential to support Minnesotans in next economic downturn
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Five takeaways from the November Economic Forecast
December 2, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
The Minnesota Budget Project staff is currently at a conference in Washington, D.C., but given our wonky personalities we just… Continue reading Five takeaways from the November Economic Forecast
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Tax credits for working Minnesotans an important area of common ground
November 23, 2016 • Nan Madden
Minnesota Taxes, Tax Credits for Minnesotans and Families
The long election season that just concluded shone a spotlight on the economic insecurity facing many across our state and… Continue reading Tax credits for working Minnesotans an important area of common ground
Brief
Final FY 2016-17 supplemental budget makes modest changes to expand opportunity, promote equity
November 1, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Taxes
The 2016 Legislative Session seemed ripe for opportunity to invest in a more equitable and prosperous Minnesota. However, policymakers had… Continue reading Final FY 2016-17 supplemental budget makes modest changes to expand opportunity, promote equity
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Refugees revitalizing Minnesota by contributing to economy and our communities
October 24, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Refugees come to this country because they face persecution in their homelands, and the United States provides a safe space for… Continue reading Refugees revitalizing Minnesota by contributing to economy and our communities
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Many workers being left behind in economic recovery
October 21, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Minnesota’s economy has a number of strengths. Incomes are rising, poverty is falling, and unemployment is back to pre-recession levels. Minnesota… Continue reading Many workers being left behind in economic recovery
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Four takeaways from the October Economic Update
October 13, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Minnesota Budget, Minnesota Budget Outlook
Monday’s October Revenue and Economic Update gave us some unwelcome news. The quarterly report from Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) showed that while… Continue reading Four takeaways from the October Economic Update