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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
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
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
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
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What matters more for competitiveness: Rankings or results?
October 5, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
It’s a good time to visit public finance expert Peter Fisher’s comprehensive work over at Grading the States, which digs deep… Continue reading What matters more for competitiveness: Rankings or results?
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Policymakers’ equity work makes strides, but much more to do
October 4, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
From Governor Mark Dayton’s State of the State address to the final bills put together at the very end of… Continue reading Policymakers’ equity work makes strides, but much more to do
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Better jobs, higher education are 2 of 4 reasons to wish DACA a very happy 4th birthday
October 3, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
In 2012, President Barack Obama introduced a landmark executive action that allowed unauthorized immigrants who came to the United States… Continue reading Better jobs, higher education are 2 of 4 reasons to wish DACA a very happy 4th birthday
Brief
Minnesota economy improving but harsh disparities leave too many workers behind: The state of working Minnesota 2016
October 1, 2016 • Clark Goldenrod
Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
The U.S. economic recovery has been slow. Although Minnesota hasn’t been immune to the effects of an economic recovery characterized… Continue reading Minnesota economy improving but harsh disparities leave too many workers behind: The state of working Minnesota 2016
Brief
Driver’s licenses associated with increased earnings and can boost economy
October 1, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Immigration, Income and Inclusive Economy, Income and Work
Youth across Minnesota wait in anticipation for their 16th birthdays, when they will be able to apply for their driver’s… Continue reading Driver’s licenses associated with increased earnings and can boost economy
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Building a strong budget reserve is a no-brainer
September 30, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
A healthy budget reserve is a two-for-one deal for states, according to a new report from the Center for American Progress.… Continue reading Building a strong budget reserve is a no-brainer
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What 13 years of decreased funding for affordable child care looks like across Minnesota
September 27, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
When parents have consistent, nurturing care for their children, families are more likely to prosper. Unfortunately, child care is getting… Continue reading What 13 years of decreased funding for affordable child care looks like across Minnesota
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Census data: More work to do to address racial disparities
September 15, 2016 • Minnesota Budget Project
Uncategorized
According to the latest Census data, Minnesota families brought home bigger paychecks in 2015 than they did in 2014. Minnesota’s… Continue reading Census data: More work to do to address racial disparities