Related resources: 
Estate Tax Resource Page from the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits

Additional information about federal budget issues is available from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

Contact information for Minnesota's U.S. Congress members and Senators


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The Minnesota Budget Project is an initiative of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.

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Federal Budget Policy

106 Nonprofits Join Sign-On Letter Urging Congress to Adequately Fund Domestic Priorities, April 21, 2009

Over 100 nonprofits signed onto a letter sent by the Minnesota Budget Project to the Minnesota congressional delegation urging support for a federal budget that provides adequate funding for important domestic priorites, from affordable housing to environmental protection, and includes tax policies that help low- and moderate-income families. The White House and Congressional leaders are negotiating an agreement on how much money for domestic discretionary spending will be set aside in the final budget conference report.

Over 100 Nonprofits Join Letter Urging Federal Fiscal Relief to States, December 2008

Minnesota faces a considerable state budget deficit. Federal fiscal relief to states can relieve the budget pressure on Minnesota to cut critical services to the state's most vulnerable citizens. Federal aid to states would also provide a boost to our ailing state economy, as it would help the state fund existing services which put dollars into our communities.

This letter, signed by 115 nonprofits, urges the Minnesota Congressional delegation to include federal fiscal relief in any economic stimulus bill they consider.

Candidate Briefing Guide on Federal Budget and Tax Issues, September 2008

The Minnesota Budget Project has created a guide for candidates for federal office to the federal budget and tax issues that are most critical to Minnesotans and our quality of life. In the guide, we provide short briefings on such issues as the pay-as-you-go rule, trends in federal domestic discretionary spending and the estate tax, with an emphasis on what's at stake for Minnesotans.

Federal Appropriations: Impact on Minnesota, September 2008

Federal funding provides almost one in every four dollars of Minnesota's state budget. With the state facing a budget shortfall and economic slowdown, Minnesota needs a federal budget that funds vital services that make a real difference to Minnesota's quality of life. This issue brief describes services funded through domestic discretionary spending, such as education and law enforcement.

Principles for a Fair Federal Budget and Tax System, October 2008

The U.S. has enjoyed success and innovation thanks in part to past public support and investment. Yet the nation faces grave budget challenges in the coming decades that threaten our ability to make needed investments.We can overcome these challenges, but only if we take the right steps to change our budget and tax system..The Minnesota Budget Project puts forth a set of four principles that federal policymakers should use to evaluate tax and budget proposals.

Pay-As-You-Go-Rule: A Return to Fiscal Responsibility, September 2008

At the start of this decade, the United States had a healthy $5.6 trillion in projected surpluses over the next ten years. But just six years later, those healthy budget projections reversed into deficits of $2.9 trillion, with reduced federal revenues due to tax cuts playing a large role. If federal deficits continue to grow, Minnesota will likely suffer, with more federal money going to paying interest on the debt, leaving less money for federal funding for states. As this new issue brief details, the Pay-As-You-Go Rule (PAYGO) has a proven track record of helping to reign in deficits and promoting fiscal responsibility.

Federal Fiscal Relief to States Would Help Combat Deficit and Aid Ailing Economy, September 2008

Facing a flagging economy, Congress may consider additional economic stimulus measures in the coming months. In this issue brief, we outline how federal fiscal relief to states can both relieve the budget pressure on Minnesota to cut critical services to the state's most vulnerable citizens, and aid our ailing state economy.

Ninety Nonprofits Urge Support of Federal Budget that Invests in Our Communities, May 2008

Congress will soon vote on a budget conference report that will determine whether there will be adequate federal dollars available to address our domestic priorities, from funding affordable housing to protecting the quality of our lakes, rivers, air and water.

Ninety nonprofits joined the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits in a letter to our U.S. senators and representatives urging them to make progress in addressing domestic priorities through a federal budget that reflects Minnesota values.

President's Budget Cuts Would Hurt Minnesotans and Increase Minnesota's Budget Deficit, March 2008

This analysis shows that Minnesota can ill afford the President's proposed reductions in services and shifting of funding responsibility to the states. It details some of the funding cuts that Minnesota could expect under the President's budget. The Minnesota Budget Project also calls on policymakers to craft a fiscally responsible budget that funds vital services that make a real difference to Minnesotans' well-being.

Federal Economic Stimulus Bill Reaches More People, But Leaves Out Quickest-Acting Measures, March 2008

This issue brief describes the $168 billion two-year economic stimulus package signed into law in February 2008. The centerpiece of the bill is $112 billion in tax rebates going out this year to an estimated 130 Americans. The final bill is an improvement from earlier proposals, with the tax rebates reaching more low-income households. However, it leaves out some of the most effective stimulus measures.

President's Budget Reflects Wrong Priorities for Minnesota; Would Make Tax Cuts for Wealthy Permanent While Cutting Health Care for Struggling Families, February 4, 2008

This press statement describes how the President's budget would increase deficits and make the tax system less fair. At the same time, it would make cuts in services including health care, energy assistance, child care and environmental protection.

Quickest-Acting Measures Left Out of Reported Economic Stimulus Deal, January 2008

In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project notes the lack of timely measures in the reported deal for a national economic stimulus package. Extended Unemployment Insurance, a temporary increase in food stamps and fiscal relief to the states should not be left on the cutting room floor.

Sign on Letter to Minnesota Congressional Delegation on Congressional Budget Resolution, April 2007

In this letter to our Congressional Delegation, the Minnesota Budget Project and other organizations urge support for a federal budget resolution that ensures progress on our national priorities. Specifically, it urges support for a 3.3% increase in non-defense discretionary spending (which includes education, the environment, affordable housing, and other areas of funding), as well as flexibility in funding increases in health care.

Briefing on the President's FY 2008 Budget: What Does it Mean for Minnesota?, March 2007

In this powerpoint presentation, the Minnesota Budget Project describes the funding cuts in many issue areas that are proposed in President Bush's budget.

President's Budget Fiscally Irresponsible, Asks Low- and Moderate-Income Americans to Make Sacrifices While Making Tax Cuts Permanent for the Wealthy, February 2007

In this quick response to the President's budget proposal, the Minnesota Budget Project expresses disappointment with the President's approach, which combines deep cuts to health care and other critical services while extending tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans.

Line-Item Veto Proposal Would Give President Authority to Cut Programs, August 2006

This issue brief describes how a proposal before Congress would give the President unprecedented authority to withhold funding for vital services, even if that funding was approved by two-thirds of the members of Congress.

Letter: Minnesota Nonprofits Oppose one-sided federal budget process bill, July 25, 2006

In this letter to Minnesota's senators, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and others express their concerns about a bill by Senate Budget Committee Chairman Judd Gregg, S. 3521. This legislation threatens to impose a new arbitrary deficit target which could lead to massive cuts in both domestic discretionary programs and entitlement programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and more.  The Gregg bill also includes a new Presidential line-item veto and provides for the creation of two new commissions which harm the public’s ability to participate in federal budget decisions.

Letter in Opposition to Painful House Budget Resolution, May 1, 2006

The U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a budget resolution before they left for their spring recess.  They heard the voices of Minnesotans who said they did not want a budget resolution that would require deep cuts to crucial services, enact large tax cuts mainly focused on the wealthiest Americans, and increase the size of the federal deficit.  

In this letter to Minnesota's Congressional delegation, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and a broad range of other organizations from across the state remind our Minnesota delegation that the budget resolution under consideration does not reflect Minnesota values.  

Impact of the President's Proposed 2007 Budget on Minnesota, March 2006

President Bush's FY 2007 budget calls for deep cuts in federal spending for nutrition, education, housing, community development, environmental protection, energy assistance, and more.  This publication outlines some of the estimated impact on Minnesota from the President's proposed cuts in domestic discretionary spending.

President's Budget Means Painful Cuts for Minnesota; Congress Should Reject President's Misplaced Priorities, March 8, 2006

The U.S. Congress will decide as soon as the week of March 6 whether to accept $183 billion in cuts to domestic discretionary spending proposed in President Bush's FY 2007 budget.  The Minnesota Budget Project calls on Congress to reject the President's budget, which does not represent Minnesota values.

Affirmative Options Coalition, Changes in federal welfare policy embedded in the 2005 Budget Reconciliation Bill, February 28, 2006
Legal Aid Minneapolis, What the 2005 Budget Reconciliation Act means for Medical Assistance in Minnesota, February 28, 2006

These handouts from the February 28th issue briefing Federal Budget Cuts and State Policy Choices: What Happens Next in Minnesota?, provide information on the impact of the 2005 federal budget reconciliation legislation, highlighting those provisions that may prompt policy choices from the state or county governments.

Federal Budget Reconciliation Update, February 2, 2006

The U.S. House voted on February 1, 2006 on the budget reconciliation conference agreement, which would cut $40 billion from health care, child support enforcement, support for people with disabilities, student loans, and other critical services.  The agreement passed narrowly on a 216-214 vote.  This update suggests follow up calls to Minnesota's Congressional delegation and outlines next steps.

The Budget Conference Agreement's Impact on Minnesota, updated January 2006

This analysis describes the profound and damaging impact that the Budget Conference Agreement being considered by the U.S. Senate would have on Minnesota.  The budget agreement would cause Minnesotans to lose access to health care services and prescription drugs, lose the child care assistance that enables parents to work, and receive less of the child support that they are owed.  None of the additional funding for heating assistance will be available to Minnesotans this winter. 

Budget Bill Sent Back to U.S. House, Minnesota Representative Could Cast Key Vote, December 21, 2005

The U.S. Senate passed a budget reconciliation conference report on December 21 that would make damaging cuts to services for low-income Minnesotans, persons with disabilities, students, and others.  Because the Senate made some changes to the legislation, it must go back to the U.S. House for another vote.  This vote is expected sometime in January.  This press release describes the implications of the budget reconciliation legislation on Minnesota, and how Minnesota's elected officials could play a key role.

Budget Conference Agreement Likely to Discourage Seniors from Making Charitable Donations, December 2005

This issue brief describes how a provision in the budget conference agreement related to Medicaid would penalize seniors who make charitable donations up to five years before they turn out to need long-term care.

Over 100 Minnesota Organizations Ask Minnesota Congressional Delegation to Oppose Budget Conference Report that Cuts Programs for Low and Middle-Income Working Families, Cuts Taxes for the Wealthy, and Increases the Deficit, December 2005

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and over 100 allies urged Congress to reject a budget reconciliation conference report that is likely to include cuts of between $35 to $50 billion for programs that serve the urgent needs of low and middle-income working families, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and students.

100 Minnesota Nonprofits Tell Congress to Stop Budget Reconciliation Bill That Cuts Nutrition and Health Care, Cuts Taxes for the Wealthy, and Increases Deficit, October 2005
Press Release, October 2005

A broad and diverse coalition of nearly 100 Minnesota nonprofit organizations signed on to a letter to Minnesota's Congressional delegation opposing budget legislation that threatens to cut Food Stamps and Medicaid while passing more tax cuts for wealthy Americans.

Sign-on Letter Calling on Minnesota's Congressional Delegation to Oppose Deeper Budget Cuts, July 2005

The compromise forged this spring by the U.S. House and Senate is now under threat.  Chairman Bill Thomas of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee has argued that the large cuts in Medicaid, Food Stamps, and other programs should be seen as the minimum amount that should be cut.  Programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the Earned Income Tax Credit, and others that were protected from cuts in the budget resolution could be back on the table for deep cuts.

The Minnesota Budget Project circulated a sign-on letter to ensure that Minnesota's representatives in Washington know that Minnesotans are watching, and oppose making budget cuts that are larger than those previously agreed upon.  

Congressional Budget Resolution Increases Deficit, Cuts Services for Low-Income Minnesotans, and Cuts Taxes for the Wealthy, May 2005
Press Release
, April 2005

This analysis describes the passage of the congressional federal budget resolution, which will increase the federal budget deficit and severely cut Medicaid and other services, while cutting taxes on the wealthiest Americans.  It also describes how actual budget legislation could make cuts even larger than those outlined in the budget resolution, and what the next steps are in working out the details of the federal budget.

Letter Calling on Minnesota Senators to Protect Federal Programs, April 2005
Press release, April 2005

In this letter, over 100 Minnesota organizations call on Senators Mark Dayton and Norm Coleman to protect Medicaid, Food Stamps, the Earned Income Tax Credit, and other federal programs serving low- and moderate-income Minnesotans, seniors, children, and persons with disabilities as the U.S. Congress works to craft a Budget Resolution.  This effort was coordinated by the Minnesota Budget Project.

Low-Income Minnesotans Could Lose Big in Federal Budget, March 2005

This analysis describes the key provisions in the House and Senate Budget Resolutions and the impact that they would have on Minnesotans. 

Letter in Opposition to Large, Unfair Cuts in Federal Domestic Spending, March 2005
Press release, March 2005

In an effort coordinated by the Minnesota Budget Project, over 107 organizations representing a  broad array of advocacy groups, service providers, and faith-based organizations called on Senators Mark Dayton and Norm Coleman to resist major cuts in critical domestic programs proposed in President Bush's budget for Fiscal Year 2006.

President Bush's Budget Would Harm Minnesotans, March 2005

President Bush's proposed budget would have wide-ranging impacts on Minnesota.  This fact sheet outlines the impact of the President's proposal on health care, food stamps, and other programs in Minnesota.

Federal Budget Decisions Would Have Serious Consequences for Minnesotans and the State's Fiscal Health, February 2005

How Did Minnesota Use Its Federal Fiscal Relief?, Updated February 2004, HTML or PDF

Minnesota is expected to receive over $350 million in the 2004-05 biennium in fiscal relief from the 2003 Jobs and Growth plan.  This document describes how Minnesota has decided to use this fiscal relief, as well as the expected revenue lost from the tax provisions in the federal legislation.  This information is reprinted in the September 2003 issue of  Minnesota Budget Bites.

The 2003 Jobs and Growth Package: What Does It All Mean?, August 2003, HTML or PDF

This document describes the 2003 Jobs and Growth stimulus package, including the distribution of benefits nationally and in Minnesota, who was left out, its cost, whether it is likely to stimulate the economy, its impact on both the federal deficit and on states, the public response, and what the resources devoted to the package could have been used for instead.  This information is reprinted in the September 2003 issue of  Minnesota Budget Bites.

The Bush Stimulus Plan: Analysis and Alternatives, March 2003, HTML or PDF

This document describes the Bush Stimulus Plan, its likely impact, and a more effective alternative.  This information is also printed in the May 2003 issue of Minnesota Budget Bites.

Impact of Federal Stimulus Plans on Minnesota, Minnesota Budget Bites, November 2001

Most federal stimulus plans under consideration would cause the state to lose revenue.  This article argues that federal revenue sharing should be part of any stimulus plan, otherwise the state could be forced to cut assistance programs at the time they are most needed.

Bush Budget Would Cut Federal Aid to Minnesota by 6.1%, May 2001 

This fact sheet outlines the impact of the Bush budget proposal on federal discretionary programs that provide aid to state and local governments.  The Bush FY 2002 budget reduces spending on these programs nationwide by 6.9%, compared to what funding levels would be if current spending per capita were maintained and adjusted for inflation.  The reductions grow to 11.2% in FY 2011.  These programs comprise 38% of all non-defense federal discretionary spending and about 10% of total spending by state and local governments.  Includes a link to specific program cuts.

Federal Tax Policy

106 Nonprofits Join Sign-On Letter Urging Congress to Adequately Fund Domestic Priorities, April 21, 2009

Over 100 nonprofits signed onto a letter sent by the Minnesota Budget Project to the Minnesota congressional delegation urging support for a federal budget that provides adequate funding for important domestic priorites, from affordable housing to environmental protection, and includes tax policies that help low- and moderate-income families. The White House and Congressional leaders are negotiating an agreement on how much money for domestic discretionary spending will be set aside in the final budget conference report

Principles for a Fair Federal Budget and Tax System, October 2008

The U.S. has enjoyed success and innovation thanks in part to past public support and investment. Yet the nation faces grave budget challenges in the coming decades that threaten our ability to make needed investments.We can overcome these challenges, but only if we take the right steps to change our budget and tax system..The Minnesota Budget Project puts forth a set of four principles that federal policymakers should use to evaluate tax and budget proposals.

Candidate Briefing Guide on Federal Budget and Tax Issues, September 2008

The Minnesota Budget Project has created a guide for candidates for federal office to the federal budget and tax issues that are most critical to Minnesotans and our quality of life. In the guide, we provide short briefings on such issues as the pay-as-you-go rule, trends in federal domestic discretionary spending and the estate tax, with an emphasis on what's at stake for Minnesotans.

Preserving Fairness and Federal Revenues: A Common-Sense Approach to the Estate Tax, September 2008

Over 99% of Americans who die will pass on their estates without ever coming into contact with the federal estate tax, yet some members of Congress have proposed radical reforms to the tax. This brief details how the tax works, the role it plays in a fair federal tax system, and how Minnesotans are effected by the estate tax. Minnesota's federal delegation should insist that any estate tax legislation is fair and fiscally responsible.

Alternative Minimum Tax: What's at Stake, September 2008

The Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) operates as a stop-gap to the income tax, so that wealthy taxpayers can’t avoid paying income taxes through tax deductions, loopholes and exclusions. But due to several factors, the AMT is on track to affects a rapidly increasing number of taxpayers. This issue brief explains how to fix the AMT so that it achieves its original purpose of ensuring everyone paying their fair share in federal income taxes, without subjecting middle-income taxpayers to the AMT.

Radical Reform of the Federal Estate Tax: A Solution in Search of a Problem, May 2008

Over 99% of Americans who die will pass on their estates without ever coming into contact with the federal estate tax, yet some members of Congress have proposed radical reforms to the tax. This issue brief details how the tax works, the role it plays in a fair federal tax system, and how Minnesotans are effected by the estate tax. Radical reform of the tax would harm charitable giving, our ability to fund vital services and the fairness of our tax system.

Federal Economic Stimulus Bill Reaches More People, But Leaves Out Quickest-Acting Measures, March 2008

This issue brief describes the $168 billion two-year economic stimulus package signed into law in February 2008. The centerpiece of the bill is $112 billion in tax rebates going out this year to an estimated 130 Americans. The final bill is an improvement from earlier proposals, with the tax rebates reaching more low-income households. However, it leaves out some of the most effective stimulus measures.

President's Budget Reflects Wrong Priorities for Minnesota; Would Make Tax Cuts for Wealthy Permanent While Cutting Health Care for Struggling Families, February 4, 2008

This press statement describes how the President's budget would increase deficits and make the tax system less fair. At the same time, it would make cuts in services including health care, energy assistance, child care and environmental protection.

Quickest-Acting Measures Left Out of Reported Economic Stimulus Deal, January 2008

In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project notes the lack of timely measures in the reported deal for a national economic stimulus package. Extended Unemployment Insurance, a temporary increase in food stamps and fiscal relief to the states should not be left on the cutting room floor.

President's Budget Fiscally Irresponsible, Asks Low- and Moderate-Income Americans to Make Sacrifices While Making Tax Cuts Permanent for the Wealthy, February 2007

In this quick response to the President's budget proposal, the Minnesota Budget Project expresses disappointment with the President's approach, which combines deep cuts to health care and other critical services while extending tax cuts that primarily benefit the wealthiest Americans.

Letter: Oppose Repeal or Radical Reform of the Estate Tax, June 5, 2006

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and a number of Minnesota nonprofits signed a letter to Minnesota's Senators in opposition to repeal or radical reform of the estate tax.

Repeal of the Federal Estate Tax: Unaffordable and Unfair, May 2006

An issue brief by the Minnesota Budget Project finds that repeal of the estate tax is wrong for several reasons.  At a time of large federal budget deficits, the repeal of the estate tax is unaffordable.  Repeal is also unfair, as it would further shift responsibility for funding our national priorities away from those with the greatest ability to pay.  And repeal would take away incentives for charitable giving.  

Letter in Opposition to Painful House Budget Resolution, May 1, 2006

The U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a budget resolution before they left for their spring recess.  They heard the voices of Minnesotans who said they did not want a budget resolution that would require deep cuts to crucial services, enact large tax cuts mainly focused on the wealthiest Americans, and increase the size of the federal deficit.  

In this letter to Minnesota's Congressional delegation, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and a broad range of other organizations from across the state remind our Minnesota delegation that the budget resolution under consideration does not reflect Minnesota values.  

Over 100 Minnesota Organizations Ask Minnesota Congressional Delegation to Oppose Budget Conference Report that Cuts Programs for Low and Middle-Income Working Families, Cuts Taxes for the Wealthy, and Increases the Deficit, December 2005

The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and over 100 allies urged Congress to reject a budget reconciliation conference report that is likely to include cuts of between $35 to $50 billion for programs that serve the urgent needs of low and middle-income working families, children, seniors, people with disabilities, and students.

100 Minnesota Nonprofits Tell Congress to Stop Budget Reconciliation Bill That Cuts Nutrition and Health Care, Cuts Taxes for the Wealthy, and Increases Deficit, October 2005
Press Release, October 2005

A broad and diverse coalition of nearly 100 Minnesota nonprofit organizations signed on to a letter to Minnesota's Congressional delegation opposing budget legislation that threatens to cut Food Stamps and Medicaid while passing more tax cuts for wealthy Americans.

Congressional Budget Resolution Increases Deficit, Cuts Services for Low-Income Minnesotans, and Cuts Taxes for the Wealthy, May 2005
Press Release
, April 2005

This analysis describes the passage of the congressional federal budget resolution, which will increase the federal budget deficit and severely cut Medicaid and other services, while cutting taxes on the wealthiest Americans.  It also describes how actual budget legislation could make cuts even larger than those outlined in the budget resolution, and what the next steps are in working out the details of the federal budget.

How Did Minnesota Use Its Federal Fiscal Relief?, Updated February 2004, HTML or PDF

Minnesota is expected to receive over $350 million in the 2004-05 biennium in fiscal relief from the 2003 Jobs and Growth plan.  This document describes how Minnesota has decided to use this fiscal relief, as well as the expected revenue lost from the tax provisions in the federal legislation.  This information is reprinted in the September 2003 issue of  Minnesota Budget Bites.

Bush Tax Cut Proposal Leaves Out Many Working Families, HTML or PDF  , Revised April 2001.  

President Bush's 2001 tax proposal would leave out one in five Minnesota families.  This issue brief describes who these families are, the main elements of the proposal, the average tax cuts for families of different income levels, and whether the cost of the plan is fiscally responsible.  This issue is also summarized in the March 2001 issue of Minnesota Budget Bites.

Can the New Federal Surplus Projections Accommodate a Large Tax Cut?, Minnesota Budget Bites, March 2001  

This is a research review of a Center on Budget and Policy Priorities publications that suggests that President Bush’s tax cuts depend on an overly optimistic economic forecast.

Bush Tax Plan Resource Page  

This web page includes links to additional resources on the administration's 2001 tax cut proposal, including primary sources, the impact on Minnesota, the distribution and impact of tax cuts, the cost of the plan, general analysis, and alternative proposals.

Federal Tax Cut Plan Relies on a Surplus That Does Not Exist, August 1999

This issue brief describes the unrealistic assumptions and accounting gimmicks that were necessary to argue that a large federal surplus exists.

Health Care

State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): Keeping Minnesotans Healthy, September 2008

Approximately 40,000 Minnesotans receive health insurance coverage through SCHIP. The bill would preserve coverage for all 6.6 million children currently covered by SCHIP, and would reach 3.8 million more low-income American children in the next five years. This issue brief describes what the Minnesota federal delegation can do: reauthorize SCHIP, and ensure there is adequate funding and that state flexibility is maintained.

President's Allies in Congress Block Children's Health Insurance Legislation, October 2007

Despite strong bipartisan support for children's health insurance, a Presidential veto was narrowly upheld in the U.S. House. This press release describes how Minnesota's congressional delegation voted and how health insurance for thousands of Minnesotans could be at risk.

Congress Acts to Cover More Kids: State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Bill Would Help Millions of Kids, October 2007

Congress recently passed the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) Reauthorization Act of 2007, which would build on the success of SCHIP by ensuring that more American children have health care coverage and the chance to grow up healthy. Approximately 40,000 Minnesotans receive health insurance coverage through SCHIP. The bill would preserve coverage for all 6.6 million children currently covered by SCHIP, and would reach 3.8 million more low-income American children in the next five years. This issue brief describes the legislation and how it would impact Minnesota.

Minnesota and the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): At a Crossroads, May 2007

Thanks to the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), the percentage of low-income children lacking health insurance has fallen by one-third in the past decade. This year, Congress will reauthorize SCHIP, which could include enhanced funding or program improvements. This issue brief describes the importance of SCHIP to Minnesota.

Statement of Principle in Support of the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP), May 2007

The Minnesota Budget Project invites organizations to join us in this statement of principle, which calls on our Congressional delegation to both maintain state flexibility to cover more of the uninsured, and to build on the success of SCHIP.

Three Years After Recession Ends, Poverty Continues to Rise; Crucial Votes in Washington Could Worsen the Trend, August 2005, HTML or PDF

Poverty in the U.S. remains unacceptably high, incomes have stagnated, and millions are without health insurance, according to new figures released by the Census Bureau on August 30.  While Minnesota does better than the national average in these measures, still thousands of Minnesota families are unable to make ends meet.

In light of this data, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits renews its call to Minnesota's congressional delegation to ensure continued access to federal nutrition and health care programs.

President Bush's Budget Would Harm Minnesotans, March 2005

President Bush's proposed budget would have wide-ranging impacts on Minnesota.  This fact sheet outlines the impact of the President's proposal on health care, food stamps, and other programs in Minnesota.

Hunger and Nutrition

Reducing Poverty in Minnesota, September 2008

This fact sheet outlines recent trends in poverty and median income in Minnesota, as well as what Minnesota's congressional delegation can do to alleviate poverty. Both in Minnesota and the nation, poverty levels and median household income never recovered from last recession.

A Better Start for Hungry Families: Summary of the House Farm Bill, August 2007

On July 27, the U.S. House passed a Farm Bill that makes significant progress in fighting hunger across the country. This issue brief describes the major provisions in the House bill relating to Food Stamps and the impact this legislation could have on Minnesota.

Organizational Sign-On Letter in Support of Food Stamps, July 2007

Congress will act in 2007 to reauthorize Food Stamps as part of the Farm Bill. In this letter to our Congressional Delegation, the Minnesota Budget Project and over thirty other organizations call upon our congressional delegation to strengthen Food Stamps as part of a commitment to preventing hunger and malnutrition in Minnesota.

Fighting Hunger in Minnesota: The Critical Role of Food Stamps, May 2007

Food Stamps are the nation's most successful anti-hunger initiative. This issue brief describes the critical role that Food Stamps play for Minnesota families and communities, how inflation is eroding the value of Food Stamps over time, and what action Congress could take this year to strengthen its commitment to fight hunger and malnutrition.

Bush Plan Threatens $66 Million in Food Stamp Cuts for Working Families, February 2007

This press release notes that the President's Farm Bill reauthorization proposal includes a $66 million net cut in Food Stamps. Food Stamps help nearly 260,000 Minnesotans.

Three Years After Recession Ends, Poverty Continues to Rise; Crucial Votes in Washington Could Worsen the Trend, August 2005, HTML or PDF

Poverty in the U.S. remains unacceptably high, incomes have stagnated, and millions are without health insurance, according to new figures released by the Census Bureau on August 30.  While Minnesota does better than the national average in these measures, still thousands of Minnesota families are unable to make ends meet.

In light of this data, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits renews its call to Minnesota's congressional delegation to ensure continued access to federal nutrition and health care programs.

President Bush's Budget Would Harm Minnesotans, March 2005

President Bush's proposed budget would have wide-ranging impacts on Minnesota.  This fact sheet outlines the impact of the President's proposal on health care, food stamps, and other programs in Minnesota.

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