Minnesota Budget Project's blog

Remembering what’s at stake in the shadow of a shutdown

By Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Bites

Since the legislative session ended without a budget in place, much attention has focused on the possibility of a state government shutdown and how it would be implemented. That is especially true today, when the 2nd District Court is holding a hearing on the issue in downtown St. Paul.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

Court process begins for a potential government shutdown

By Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Bites

There continues to be little progress towards a budget resolution, and key actions were taken this week to prepare for a government shutdown. Both Attorney General Lori Swanson and Governor Mark Dayton have filed petitions with the court that articulate which government functions should continue in the event of a shutdown.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

A tale of two visions: Public safety

By Christina Wessel and Scott Russell, Minnesota Budget Bites

Minnesota is projected to spend around $1.8 billion on our courts, prisons and other public safety services in the FY 2012-13 biennium. Given the amount of funding for this area, the level of changes proposed by Governor Dayton and the legislature are relatively small, but they are still significant.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

A tale of two visions: K-12 education

By Christina Wessel and Scott Russell , Minnesota Budget Bites

This week, we’re taking a look at the two visions that have been laid out for how to meet the state’s needs as Minnesota slowly emerges from a recession, comparing Governor Dayton’s budget (as presented in March) and the MORE »

Minnesota Budget Bites

Special sessions come with some special rules

By Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Bites

The 2011 Legislative Session ended Monday night without an agreement to solve the state’s $5.0 billion revenue shortfall and the legislature will not reconvene in regular session until January 24, 2012.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

What does $1.8 billion in cuts to health and human services looks like?

By Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Bites

Many have objected – including us – to the hundreds of millions in unsubstantiated savings that was included in the House and Senate health and human services budget bills.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

The alternative to cuts-only is revenues

By Nan Madden, Minnesota Budget Bites

Since April 25, you’ve heard from us regularly through the 20 Ways in 20 Days campaign about the harm that would be caused by an all-cuts approach.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

Proposed constitutional amendments would create gridlock and hurt economic growth

By Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Bites

Sometimes I listen to the news and think, “I’m sure glad we aren’t California.” Sure, we face big budget deficits, but not astronomical budget deficits. Plus, we don’t have a bunch of constitutional amendments that tie the hands of policymakers trying to come up with a solution.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

Let’s take stock as policymakers pause

By Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Bites

Starting at 3 p.m. on Monday, the legislature is walking away from St. Paul for several days to allow members to observe Passover and celebrate Easter. It gives legislators a great chance to get back to their districts and talk to their constituents...and it gives us a chance to briefly recap where we are in the legislative session.

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Minnesota Budget Bites

House tax bill provides tax cuts for some, tax increases for others

By Nan Madden, Minnesota Budget Bites

Both of the tax bills passed by the Minnesota House and Senate would make the state's tax system more regressive. Today, we'll take a look at the House omnibus tax bill.

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Minnesota Budget Bites
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