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Minnesota Budget
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Minnesota Taxes
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Federal Tax & Budget
Economic Self-Sufficiency
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Minnesota Budget Bites
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ABOUT USThe Minnesota Budget Project is an initiative of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits.
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Table of Contents:
Follow
the Dollars: State Budget Timeline, Updated August 2010 This one-page fact sheet highlights key points in the budget cycle, including the release of financial forecasts, the Governor's budget and the start and end dates of fiscal years. The Advocate's Fiscal Toolbox, Updated August 2010, HTML
or PDF
This web page includes links to primary tools in understanding state tax and budget issues, including the Tax Incidence Study, the Governor's Budget, and legislative fiscal notes. The Lost Decade: Taking a
Closer Look at Minnesota's Public Investments in the 2000s,
December 2008 State funding for E-12 education, higher education, child care assistance and affordable housing and homelessness prevention will all be at lower levels at the end of this decade than in Fiscal Year 2003, according to this report released by the Minnesota Budget Project. Over the past ten years, declining resources have meant many Minnesotans have found fewer opportunities to succeed in school, in the workplace, or provide for their families. Across the country a battle is raging over an issue you may never have heard of – TABOR. Short for the “Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights,” TABOR is a constitutional amendment which would place extreme and inflexible limits on government resources. Visit our The Truth About TABOR web site, which includes information on what TABOR is, why it would mean trouble in our state, and suggests some ways you can get involved. Principles for State Fiscal Decisions,
Updated January 2003 These Principles developed by the Minnesota Budget Project and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits provides a framework for measuring proposals to address the state's budget deficit. It calls for use of all three budget-balancing tools available - use of reserves, raising revenues, and limited expenditure cuts - and for not making the recession worse for vulnerable Minnesotans. Response to Minnesota's Budget Deficit, December 2002, HTML
or PDF This set of talking points explains why the deficit is simply too large to be solved only by reducing the expenditure side of the state’s budget. Revenue raising must be part of the state’s solution to the budget deficit because the alternatives would be more damaging to our state’s economy, communities, and people. The Case for Raising Revenues, November 2002, Minnesota
Budget Bites
This article makes the argument that progressive revenue raising must be part of the solution to the state's budget deficit, given the size of the budget shortfall. Trends in Minnesota Government Spending,
September 2002
This report takes a comprehensive look at
state and local government spending in Minnesota over a 10-year period. The primary findings
include: from 1987 to 1997, over two-thirds of the growth in Minnesota state and
local government spending was necessary to keep up with inflation and
population growth; as a percentage of Minnesota personal income, total state and local
government expenditures in Minnesota declined slightly from 1987 to 1997; and government spending in Minnesota has grown less rapidly than the national
average. This is a joint release with the Property Tax
Study Project. The report is summarized in the November 2002 issue of
Minnesota Budget Bites. Wasted Opportunities: How We Used Our Surpluses 1997-2001, January 2002, HTML
or PDF This joint release with Children's Defense Fund-Minnesota finds that, of the total surplus dollars allocated in 1997 through 2001, more than
half were spent on tax cuts and rebates. Less than one third were
spent on improving or expanding services. Certain funding areas, particularly Health and Human Services and Children
and Families, received almost no surplus dollars for the entire five-year
period. Even though some of the surplus went to increased spending, the portion of
Minnesotans’ incomes going to state and local government has declined, as
measured by the Price of Government. This report is summarized in the
February 2002 issue of Minnesota Budget Bites.
2010 Legislative Session2010 Legislative Session closes with many opportunities lost, June 2010 Minnesota policymakers faced challenges in the 2010 Legislative Session, including a $1 billion state budget shortfall and a court decision that created last-minute budget uncertainty. This analysis describes the outcomes of the legislative session, and finds that policymakers failed to seize opportunities to set the state on a sound financial track and avoid damaging cuts to services that help Minnesotans recover from the recession. General Assistance Medical Care: Unique program serves a unique population, Updated July 2010 The fate of General Assistance Medical Care (GAMC), which provides health care coverage for about 70,000 very low-income Minnesotans annually, was a high priority issue in the 2010 Legislative Session. This issue brief examines the revised GAMC program that policymakers agreed to in March, the option for coverage included in the federal health care reform legislation, and the ultimate outcome of the 2010 Legislative Session. Step One: House, Senate and Governor agree to $312 million in budget reductions, April 2010 Policymakers took the first step to address the state's budget shortfall on March 29, when the legislature passed a compromise supplemental budget agreement that had been negotiated with the Governor. The agreed-upon solution recommends changes to nearly every area of the state budget, except for the two largest areas: K-12 education and health and human services. This report highlights the major components of the supplemental budget bill and the impact on Minnesota families, then discusses the next steps for this legislative session. Governor solves deficit using federal resources, cuts to services, March 2010 In mid-February, Governor Pawlenty released his budget proposal for resolving the state's $1.2 billion deficit. This issue brief describes the implications of the governor's approach, which relies on cuts to health care, job training, services for people with disabilities, and other services that struggling Minnesotans are turning to in these tough times.February 2010 economic forecast: Slightly better now, slightly worse later, March 2010 This issue brief takes a closer look at the state's February 2010 economic forecast, which shows that the deficit in the current budget cycle has improved slightly, now measuring $1 billion, but the shortfall in the next budget cycle has grown. In particular, we describe what the assumptions are regarding key components of the Governor's 2009 unallotment plan and how they impact the FY 2012-13 budget deficit. November 2009 budget forecast: Continued economic woes bring more big deficits, January 2010 This issue brief describes key facts from the state of Minnesota’s November 2009 economic forecast — including a new $1.2 billion deficit that has opened up in the current biennial budget (FY 2010-11) due to a larger-than-expected drop in income tax revenue. It projects a long, slow economic recovery, and a $6.6 billion deficit in the next state biennial budget (FY 2012-13). Today's State Budget Forecast Sure to Show Shortfall; Balanced Approach Needed - Including New Revenues, December 2009November Forecast: $1.2 billion deficit now, $5.4 billion deficit later, December 2009 The November Forecast revealed that the state is facing a $1.2 billion deficit for the current biennium and a $5.4 billion deficit for the FY 2012-13 biennium. The bad budget news is the result of lower than expected income tax receipts, but also due to a heavy reliance on one-time resources, budget gimmicks and unallotment to solve previous deficits. The Minnesota Budget Project calls for a balanced approach to the state's budget shortfall that includes fair increases in revenues. Relying on spending cuts alone would hurt Minnesotans who are struggling today to weather the economic downturn, and would poorly position Minnesota for when prosperity returns by limiting investments in education, job training, health care and the other building blocks of a strong economy.
2009 Legislative SessionUnprecedented: Governor's Unallotments Cut $2.7 Billion from State Budget, September 2009 This analysis takes a detailed look at the major unallotment cuts made by the Governor and provides a background on the unallotment process. See also our unallotment resource page, which includes links to useful information on the unallotment process and the Governor's unallotment decisions. It also includes brief background information on unallotment and the history of its use. Surprise Resolution to Legislative Session Leaves Long-term Deficits, July 2009 This report looks at how the Legislature and Governor ultimately solved the state’s $4.6 billion deficit for the FY 2010-11 biennium. This extensive analysis summarizes the major components of the solution – federal stimulus dollars, spending reductions, line-item vetoes and unallotment – but also takes a very detailed look at what was proposed during the session, and which of those proposals ultimately became law. Consequences of the Governor's Budget Proposal, April 2009 This report provides concrete examples of how Minnesotans would be impacted by the Governor's FY 2010-11 budget recommendations. It describes the very real implications of reductions in services for low- and moderate income families, children, the elderly, persons with disabilities and many other economically vulnerable Minnesotans. Round Two: Governor Increases Use of One-Time Resources in Revised Budget, April 2009 The Governor has revised his budget proposal, in light of the February Economic Forecast and passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The Governor's revised budget relies even more heavily on one-time resources. This analysis focuses on the impact of spending cuts in major areas of the budget - from health care to public safety and highlights the potential impacts on low- to moderate-income Minnesotans. Twin Problems of Deficit and Recession Require Balanced Solution, March 2009 The February Economic Forecast shows a large uptick in the State of Minnesota’s projected budget deficit. Confronting the twin problems of a deficit and a recession are the formidable tasks ahead for state policymakers. In this press statement, the Minnesota Budget Project notes that a balanced solution to close the budget deficit, which provides for reasonable tax increases and spending cuts, is the most sensible course of action. Round One: Governor's Initial Budget Proposal Focuses on Spending Cuts and One-Time Measures, February 2009 This analysis of the Governor's budget proposal highlights the impact on low- to moderate-income Minnesotans. The Governor’s budget relies on one-time measures and spending reductions to balance the budget. The spending cuts take money out of the state’s economy and will make it more difficult for families to survive the recession. Kitchen Table Budget Principles, January 2009 In the coming months, the Governor and legislators must figure out how to close a budget deficit of at least $5.5 billion, when inflation is included. The Organizing Apprenticeship Project and the Minnesota Budget Project have created a unique budget-balancing tool which was developed through kitchen table discussions with real Minnesotans: the Kitchen Table Budget Principles. The principles emphasize the importance of equity, citizen involvement, long-term investments, pursuing more resources, and of ensuring today’s decisions don’t undermine tomorrow’s prosperity. Read the joint press release from the Minnesota Budget Project and the Organizing Apprenticeship Project. State Must Take Balanced Approach to Budget Shortfalls, December 2008 The state’s November Economic Forecast revealed a $5.5 billion deficit for the upcoming budget biennium when inflation is included. In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project argues that state policymakers must take a balanced approach to the state’s budget deficit and avoid policy choices that make the economic downturn more painful. 2008 Legislative SessionPunting the Problem: 2008 Legislative Session ends with a short-term solution, January 2009 In the 2008 Legislative Session, policymakers relied heavily on one-time revenues to solve the budget deficit, did little to solve the deficits already looming in the future, and cut significantly from the state's health and human services. This issue brief takes a close look at the outcomes of the 2008 session and how those choices will impact the landscape for the 2009 Legislative Session. Tough Decisions in the 2008 Legislative Session Leave Even Tougher Choices for 2009, May 2008 With a nearly $1 billion deficit, the Governor, Senate and House each came up with their own solution to solve the shortfall for the current budget biennium. In this issue brief, we analyze how each area of the budget - from the environment to health and human services - will be effected under each of the proposals. The Governor’s proposal relies the most heavily on spending reductions, asking Minnesota’s most vulnerable – our low-income families, children, elderly and disabled – to bear a large share of balancing the state’s budget. The House and Senate plans include fewer spending reductions, turning instead to the other available tools – revenue increases and one–time resources to fill the gap. Revenue Shortfalls Mean Minnesota Faces Long-Term Budget Deficits, April 2008 The state's most recent economic forecast assumes that the country will experience a mild recession through the first half of 2008. As a result, the state faces a $935 million deficit in FY 2008-09 and a $2.1 billion deficit in FY 2010-11 when the impact of inflation is included. Comparison of Targets for Governor, House and Senate (FY 2008-09), April 2, 2008 This table compares the budget-balancing solutions proposed by the Governor, House and Senate. State Services That Help Minnesotans Get and Keep Jobs Should Not Be Cut to Solve Budget Deficit, March 7, 2008 The Governor has hinted that he will primarily be turning to state funding cuts to resolve the state’s $935 million budget deficit. In this press statement, the Minnesota Budget Project argues that a focus on spending cuts will be a further drag on a state economy that our state economist has already described as being in recession. In particular, state funding that helps Minnesotans get and keep jobs and that helps the state’s most vulnerable families remain self-sufficient should not be cut. Enough is enough: It's time to start acting beyond the current crisis, February 28, 2008 The economic forecast released on February 28 showed the State of Minnesota's projected budget deficit grew to $935 million. In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project argues that it's time to start making budget choices that look well beyond the current crisis. The November 2007 Forecast: Stormy Weather Ahead, December 2007 The state's latest economic forecast predicts a weak economy and state budget deficits. This issue brief analyzes the forecast's predictions and puts the budget-balancing options available to policymakers in context with past budget and tax choices. Policy Choices Contribute to State's Budget Woes: Time to End Failed Experiment, November 30, 2007 On Friday, November 30, the state released the November 2007 budget forecast, which shows a $373 million deficit for the Fiscal Years 2008-09 budget biennium. In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project calls on policymakers to seize the opportunity to end the state's failed experiment to respond to fiscal troubles with budget gimmicks, short-term fixes and reduced investments in the state’s physical and human capital. 2007 Legislative SessionAddressing Inequality: 2007 Legislative Session Still Leaves Many Children Behind, March 2008 The 2007 Legislative Session began with great expectations, and hopes that the state could move forward on addressing growing geographic, economic and racial disparities and their negative effects on children. This analysis finds the opportunities for positive change during the last session were constrained by competing demands for limited resources and the lack of political will to raise additional resources. Policy choices in health care, early childhood and K-12 education that could have reduced inequality are examined.Budget Reforms in the 2007 Legislative Session: Progress Lost to a Veto, October 2007 The 2007 Legislative Session saw progress on several important budget reforms, including taking inflation into account in the state's economic forecasts, addressing future revenue fluctuations and adding to the state's budget reserves. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed the omnibus tax bill that contained these important provisions. However, the increased level of support and public interest in these issues indicate that the budget reform debate will continue. Governor's veto of tax bill is a blow to fiscal responsibility, May 30, 2007 In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project expresses its disappointment with the Governor's veto of the omnibus tax bill., This bill included several important budget process reforms, including restoring the impact of inflation in the state's economic forecasts and building the state's budget reserves. What's At Stake: Budget Reforms, Updated April 2007 While the primary task of the Minnesota Legislature this session is to pass the state's biennial budget, policymakers are also considering changes to the budget-making process itself. This issue brief describes the positions taken on two critical issues: building the state's budget reserves, and ensuring that the state's economic forecasts take inflation into account. Race and Budget Matters, April 2007 In comments delivered at the press briefing for the Organizing Apprenticeship Project's Race and Budget Matters: A Mid-Term Report, the Minnesota Budget Project notes that lack of attention to racial disparities allows them to persist, describes budget choices made in 2003 that had a disproportionate impact on communities of color, and notes that reducing racial disparities has not been a prominent priority in the 2007 Legislative Session. The February 2007 Forecast: Little Change in Near Term, Stormier Outlook for the Future, March 2007 This analysis of the state's February Forecast describes what the Forecast's numbers mean for budget decisions in the 2007 Legislative Session. Briefing on the Governor's Budget: What's In and What's Left Out?, March 2007 In this powerpoint presentation, the Minnesota Budget Project provides an overview of the state's fiscal landscape and reviews the Governor's proposed budget. Minnesota's Experts Call on Policymakers to Fix the State's Financial Forecasts, February 2007 In this statement, several prominent public finance experts support the goal of restoring the impact of inflation on spending in the state's financial forecasts. Campaign for a Better Budget Process Home Page The Minnesota Budget Project is advocating for a Better Budget Process in Minnesota. Based on five principles to guide us to a better process, the Minnesota Budget Project recommends that the state's Economic Forecasts take inflation into account and that the state incrementally build the size of the state's budget reserves to a responsible level. The Campaign for a Better Budget Process Home Page has links to Minnesota Budget Project publications related to the campaign, legislative updates, and media coverage of budget process issues. Five Principles for a Better Budget Process, January 2007 The Minnesota Budget Project recommends five principles to guide Minnesota to a better budget process. Ensure the State's Economic Forecasts Take Inflation into Account, January 2007 In this issue brief, the Minnesota Budget Project recommends that the 2007 Legislature eliminate the provision in law that prevents the Minnesota Department of Finance from taking the impact of inflation on most areas of spending into account in the state's forecasts. Build the State's Budget Reserves to a Responsible Level, January 2007 The Minnesota Budget Project recommends that the 2007 Legislature enact a plan to build stronger reserves over time. Governor's Budget Makes Little Progress on Narrowing Disparities, Improving Budget Process, January 2007 In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project measures the Governor's Budget proposal, and finds it comes up short in terms of narrowing disparities between those who are well off and those who are struggling, reforming the state's budget process, and improving the state's tax system in terms of fairness and adequacy. State's Forecast Brings Tempered Optimism, November 2006 In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project finds some good news in the state's November forecast, but urges policymakers to make progress in building its budget reserves and to officially recognize the impact of inflation in the state's forecasts.
2006 Budget Decisions Leave Much on the Table for 2007, November 2006 This analysis finds that the 2006 Legislature focused on addressing immediate needs, missing the opportunity to offer comprehensive plans for moving the state towards a more positive future. This issue brief provides an overview of the budget decisions made in 2006, and a preview of issues on the agenda for 2007. Letter to Conferees: Supplemental Budget Bill, May 2006 The Minnesota Budget Project encourages the legislature to increase the integrity of the state budget process by including the impact of inflation on spending in the state's forecasts Policy decisions about state funding should not be confused with the technical process of measuring the state's fiscal situation. Legislative Commission to End Poverty in Minnesota by
2020 Letter to Conferees: SF 2734, May 2006 In this letter, the Minnesota Budget Project states its opposition to a floor amendment to SF 2734 that would put a freeze on any new or increased fees or taxes for a period of seven years. In addition to outlining several technical flaws, the letter argues that budget choices should be made in the legislature after an informed and public debate that considers all the implications, not by a formula set in the constitution. Testimony: House Omnibus Tax Bill, May 2006 In testimony before the House Tax Committee, the Minnesota Budget Project argues against the large fiscal impact that the House omnibus tax bill would have in the 2008-09 biennium. The testimony notes that should the bill be enacted into law, the 2007 Legislature would find they did not have enough resources to maintain current services. The committee was provided with copies of Minnesota's Budget Surpluses May Be Short-Lived. Sources of Revenue Considered in the 2006 Legislative Session, updated May 2006 As the Governor and Legislature consider a supplemental budget for the 2006 Legislative Session, there are a number of financial resources they are proposing to use. This fact sheet describes the proposed use of general fund resources, reserves, and dedicated funding sources, and outlines resources at risk. Minnesota's Budget Surpluses May Be Short-Lived, April 2006 The Minnesota Budget Project takes a closer look at the state's budget figures, and finds that Minnesota's ability to fund current levels of services is at risk. The Truth About TABOR web site Across the country a battle is raging over an issue you may never have heard of – TABOR. Short for the “Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights,” TABOR is a constitutional amendment which would place extreme and inflexible limits on government resources. TABOR may not be grabbing headlines in Minnesota – yet – but the proposal is currently provoking heated debates in at least eleven other states around the nation, including next door in Wisconsin. Our The Truth About TABOR web site includes information on what TABOR is, why it would mean trouble in our state, and suggests some ways you can get involved. Minnesota Treads Water for Another Year Under Governor's Budget, March 2006 In this press release, the Minnesota Budget Project argues that the Governor's proposed 2006 supplemental budget demonstrates that Minnesota continues to be unable to meet the state's priorities under our current system of raising revenues. While the Governor's budget makes some positive steps, it is striking in its lack of attention to the issues of most importance to struggling families.
The FY 2006-07
Budget: Impact on Working Families and Individuals, Updated
August 2005 MCN and the Minnesota Budget Project have analyzed how budget decisions made at the State Legislature this year will impact working families and individuals, children and youth, and populations with unique needs. Ultimately, the final budget agreement relied on regressive revenue increases to help avoid some of the worst of the proposed reductions. For many of Minnesota's most vulnerable residents, the 2005 Legislative Session represents some opportunities lost, but also some important steps forward. (Documents have been updated to reflect the final budget agreement.) Testimony on House File 1516, March 2005 House File 1516 and Senate File 1333 would partially roll back the income tax cuts made during the surplus years. Testimony by the Minnesota Budget Project describes the impact of cuts made in past budget-balancing plans, and argues that a fairer way to balance the budget is to include raising revenues in a way that takes into account Minnesotans' ability to pay. Letter
to Senate on Omnibus Health & Human Services Bill, April 2005 In this letter to members of the Minnesota Senate, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits reiterates its position that budget-balancing positions should not fall disproportionately on struggling families and vulnerable populations. The Senate Health & Human Services Bill would reverse some of the more damaging choices made in 2003. Testimony on
House Jobs & Economic Opportunity Omnibus Bill, April 2005 In testimony before legislative budget committees, the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits opposes service cuts that harm low-income Minnesotans, describes the cumulative effect of years of budget cutting, and makes connections between the various proposals that would impact Minnesota's families. Comparing House and
Senate Finance Committees, March 2005 This fact sheet describes the jurisdictions of the House and Senate finance committees, and how these have changed in the 2005 legislative session. On the Edge: Communities Lose as Nonprofit Sector Struggles, February 2005 A survey conducted by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits reveals that nonprofits are facing increasing financial pressures as their major sources of revenues have been on the decline. Minnesota’s communities are suffering the impact as many residents, both urban and rural, are finding it more difficult to meet their most basic needs for food, shelter, health care, transportation, and education and training. This report summarizes the results of the survey. November Forecast Shows It's Time for Minnesota to
Return to Fiscal Responsibility, December 2004 The state of Minnesota faces a deficit of $700 million in the 2006-07 biennium. The forecast grows to $1.4 billion if the impact of inflation is included. This document calls for a 2006-07 budget that will solve the deficit by returning to fiscal responsibility, raise adequate revenues to protect Minnesota's economic future and quality of life, and make strategic investments.
Governor Closes $160 Million Budget Deficit: Long-Term Budget
Shortfall Remains, June 2004, HTML or
PDF When the 2004 Legislative Session ended in a stalemate, the Governor used his executive authority to close the $160 million budget deficit for the 2004-05 biennium. A new publication describes the actions taken to address the deficit, the implications for health care programs and the long-term budget deficit, and the opportunities lost by the inability to come to a legislative agreement on the budget.
"Do Nothing" Session Mixed Blessing for Health and Human Services, June 2004,
HTML or PDF This six-page brief highlights the opportunities lost and the negative proposals
avoided because the Legislature failed to pass a health and human
services budget bill this session. This document is also available
in the July 2004 issue of Minnesota Budget
Bites.
What's At Stake in 2004 - Revenues: A Comparison of Legislative Proposals, May 2004, HTML or PDF In the final days of the legislative session, it is still unclear how the state's budget deficit will be resolved. This document outlines how revenues would be used by the House and Senate budget plans to address the deficit, as well as other proposed tax changes. Issues addressed include the Renter's Credit, Racino, Corporate Loopholes, Single Sales Factor, and the AMT.
State Budget Deficits Continue
Through 2007: A Response to the February 2004 Forecast, April 2003, HTML
or PDF This analysis takes a look at the February Forecast and finds that the picture is still bleak, despite an expected strong economic performance. It describes the risks in the forecast, why deficits persist in Minnesota, and next steps.
Nonprofit Workforce Hurt by Government Cuts,
Slow Economic Recovery, Updated March 2004 The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits conducted a survey of nonprofit organizations to collect information on staffing changes as a result of state and local fiscal decisions and other economic pressures. Results indicate that the nonprofit workforce in all areas of the state and in all activity areas have been negatively impacted. Consequences: The Impact of Minnesota's Government Budget Cuts, February
2004, HTML
or PDF Although the final impact of service cuts made in the 2003 Legislative Session is not yet known, initial information from many sources demonstrates that the deficit solution has already had a serious, negative impact on the lives of Minnesotans. Some of the consequences of service cuts for Minnesotans are described in this document. 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. Most Areas of State's Budget Cut Significantly From 2002-03 Levels,
Updated August 2003,
HTML or PDF
This analysis compares spending levels under the 2003 budget decisions to base funding levels in 2002-03, 2004-05, and 2006-07. Impact of the Final FY
2004-05 Budget, Updated July 2003 This spreadsheet shows changes in the Governor's, House, and Senate budget proposals and the final budget decisions that impact nonprofits, low- and moderate-income Minnesotans, and other vulnerable populations. The 2004-05 Budget: What's At Stake - Children & Youth, May 2003, HTML or
PDF
This issue brief discusses how the proposed budget options will impact the lives of Minnesota's young people. Revenue-Raising Options to Address Minnesota's
Budget Deficit, Updated May 2003, HTML or PDF
This document presents a range of revenue-raising options, estimating how much revenue each could raise and weighing them against our principles for fiscal decisions.
Senate FY 2004-05 Budget Targets,
April 2003 These two documents compare the budget targets set by each legislative body to the Governor's budget proposal. Comparing House and Senate Finance Committees,
April 2003 This document explains how the finance committee structures differ in the two bodies of the Minnesota Legislature. February 2003 Forecast Summary, April 2003, HTML
or PDF This analysis describes how the high level of risk in the forecast and estimates of the impact of public sector layoffs or pay freezes. Budget
Briefing, March 2003 This is a Powerpoint presentation from Nonprofit Action Day. It provides an overview of the state's budget deficit, unallotment decisions, and the Governor's 2004-05 budget proposal. The Governor's Unallotment Order: FY 2003 Budget Brought into
Balance, February 2003, HTML or PDF
2002-03 Budget-Balancing Proposals: Comparison and Analysis, February 2003,
HTML or PDF Four approaches arose to resolve the 2002-03 deficit: the Governor's Supplemental Budget Recommendations, the plans passed by the House and Senate, and the unallotment order. Since the Legislature could not agree to a plan to resolve the $356 million deficit for the 2002-03 biennium, Governor Pawlenty used his unallotment authority to bring the budget back into balance. These
two documents are similar: both describe the
components of budget-balancing plans and measure them against our principles for state fiscal decisions.
The first document focuses on the unallotment order, the second compares all
four budget-balancing plans. Both documents include a detailed table with descriptions of cuts
from all four plans that impact low- and
moderate-income persons and other vulnerable populations. Both documents
have been updated to reflect the revised unallotment order released February 24,
2003. The unallotment report is summarized in the March 2003 issue of
Minnesota Budget Bites.
November 2002 Forecast Summary, January 2003, HTML
or PDF This analysis describes how the state's budget situation has worsened since
the end of the 2002 Legislative Session, discusses growth in state spending, and
outlines next steps for policymakers in balancing the budget.
Budget Decisions in the 2002 Legislative Session: State's Budget Balanced
in the Short Term, but Large Deficit Remains for Next Biennium, June 2002, HTML or PDF When the 2002 Legislature convened, they faced projected state revenues for
the 2002-03 biennium that were 7.6% lower than predicted at the end of the 2001
session. This meant a $1.953 billion deficit for 2002-03 and a $2.535
billion shortfall for 2004-05. With a deficit of this magnitude, the
Legislature faced very difficult choices. This document describes the
major budget decisions of the 2002 Legislative session, and measures them
against our principles for state fiscal decisions. This analysis is
reprinted in the June 2002 Minnesota
Budget Bites, which also includes additional information on assistance to
the unemployed in the 2002 Jobs bill. Testimony before the Budget Reconciliation Conference Committee, April 10,
2002,
HTML or PDF The Budget Reconciliation Conference Committee held several days of public testimony to get input on how the budget should be balanced. The Minnesota Budget Project's testimony calls for no additional budget cuts and closer attention to tax fairness. House and Senate Phase 2 Budget-Balancing Proposals: Comparison and Analysis,
Updated April 10, 2002,
HTML or PDF This document describes the components of the House and Senate plans for addressing the remaining budget deficit and measures them against our principles for fiscal decisions.
Comparison of Senate Phase 2 Budget-Balancing Proposals, March 2002,
HTML or PDF A side-by-side comparison of the budget plans proposed by the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Republican Caucus to address the state's remaining budget deficit.
February 2002 Forecast Summary: The Deficit Worsens, March 2002, HTML
or PDF This analysis looks at why the state's budget deficit has worsened, and what this means for the next phase of budget balancing.
Analysis of the House-Senate Budget Agreement, February 2002, HTML or PDF
This issue brief describes the components of the House-Senate Phase 1 budget agreement and measures it against our principles for fiscal decisions.
Comparison of Budget-Balancing Proposals, February 2002, HTML or PDF
This publication provides a side-by-side analysis of how the 2002-03 general fund deficit is addressed by the Governor, House, Senate, and the House-Senate Budget Agreement. Options to Address Minnesota's Budget Deficit, January
2002, HTML
or PDF This document includes information on the state’s budget reserves, outlines several revenue raising options, and provides a framework for thinking about expenditures at the state and local levels. This information can be used to inform and evaluate budget balancing proposals. Principles for State Fiscal Decisions,
Updated January 2003 These Principles developed by the Minnesota Budget Project and Minnesota Council of Nonprofits provides a framework for measuring proposals to address the state's budget deficit. It calls for use of all three budget-balancing tools available - use of reserves, raising revenues, and limited expenditure cuts - and for not making the recession worse for vulnerable Minnesotans.
November 2001 Forecast Summary: Minnesota Faces Deficit, January 2002, HTML
or PDF This summary looks at why the state is facing a deficit, with focus sections on education funding and on how caseload increases reflect the greater need for safety net programs. Impact of Federal Stimulus Plans on Minnesota, November 2001, Minnesota
Budget Bites
This article argues that the decisions made on the federal level
regarding a stimulus package could have severe implications for the state's
ability to address the budget deficit.
Unbalanced Priorities: Dividing Up the Surplus in the 2001 Legislative
Session, September 2001 One of the central points of disagreement in the 2001
Legislative Session was how to divide up the state’s surplus. While the surplus is only a relatively small part of the total budget,
how it is used puts priorities into sharp focus. Surplus funds are what can be used for new initiatives, to expand
programs from existing levels, or to reduce taxes, without having to use dollars
already committed to other needs. This research report analyzes the budget priorities of the Governor, House of
Representatives, and Senate, and the final compromise they were able to reach.
The report's findings are also summarized in the September 2001 issue of Minnesota
Budget Bites.
Senate Budget Targets, April 2001 This table compares the general fund and TANF budget targets for the main state spending areas set by the House and Senate to the Governor's proposed budget. House of Representatives Budget Targets, April
2001 This table compares the House's general fund and TANF budget targets for the main state spending areas to the Governor's proposed budget. Comparing House and Senate Budget Targets, April
2001 This fact sheet shows how to compare the appropriations categories used by the Senate with those used by the House. (This document was updated in April 2003 to reflect the new committee structures. Click here for the 2003 version.) State Budget Does Not Show Appropriate Balance
Between Tax Cuts and Spending, March 2001, HTML or
PDF
This issue brief looks at the Governor's budget and argues that the emphasis on tax cuts has crowded out needed investments. It also demonstrates that the evidence does not support the assertion that government spending has been growing out of control. February 2001 Forecast Summary, March 2001, HTML
or PDF Summary contents include why forecast numbers have declined, spending growth, and the TANF Reserve. November 2000 Forecast Summary, December 2000,
HTML
or PDF This summary looks at why the forecast shows another surplus after years
of tax cuts, with focus sections on the TANF Reserve and the use of tobacco
settlement dollars.
2000 Final Capital Investment Legislation Summary, May 2000, HTML or PDF These two documents describes the 2000 bonding bill and lists spending by general funding areas. The first is a 2-page summary, and the second is a 7-page detailed list of projects that describes the final bill and lists all projects to be funded and those items from the House and Senate omnibus bills that were not included in the final legislation.
2000 Capital Investment Plans, April 2000, HTML and PDF These two documents compare the capital investment plans from the House, Senate, and Governor as they went to Conference Committee. The first document is a summary, the second is a more detailed list of specific items. February 2000 Forecast Summary, March 2000, HTML
or PDF Contents include the key figures in the forecast and the impact on individual budget items. The 2000 Legislative Session: What's in Store? February 2000, Minnesota
Budget Bites In this preview of the 2000 Legislative Session, the major issues for the session, including bonding, are introduced.
2000 Governor's Capital Budget Summary, January 2000, HTML or PDF These two items address the Governor's Capital Budget. The first is a fact sheet that explains what the Capital Budget is, how it is developed, and what is and is not included in the 2000 Capital Budget. The second document is a list of all project requests received by the administration and whether they were included in the 2000 Capital Budget. November 1999 Forecast Summary, December 1999, HTML
or PDF This summary looks at where the surplus dollars have come from and the
impact on individual budget items.
Budget Analysis from 1999 and earlier Securing Our Future: Budget Options For 2000-2001 That Pay Dividends and Strengthen Our
Economy, March 1999, Full Report
This report identifies and makes policy recommendations on the fiscal issues before the 1999 Legislature as it prepares to make final decisions on the one-time tax rebate and ongoing tax and spending issues for the FY 2000-2001 biennium. It argues that state budget policy should be balanced, with an emphasis on human capital investments that produce positive quantifiable results in addition to the anticipated tax cuts and rebates. Investments in a fair tax system, affordable housing, child care and early education, and workforce development support the state's broad economic opportunity goals and serve the long-term interests of all Minnesotans. Governor Ventura's Proposed Budget Cuts for FY
2000-2001 Affecting Services Provided by Minnesota Nonprofits, March 1999 In the 1999 Legislative Session, Governor Ventura's proposed budget would have made major reductions in funding for services provided by nonprofits in Minnesota. The first document outlines the proposed cuts, and the second shows which items were restored by the Legislature. Despite State's Economic Strength, Significant Fiscal Challenges Await Minnesota's Next Governor, September 1998 In this opinion piece, the Minnesota Budget Project argues that there is more than one way to "return the surplus" to taxpayers. In addition to the politically popular tax rebate idea, the rebate can also be returned by making wise investments in Minnesota's human capital that will pay dividends to all Minnesotans for years to come. Minnesota Values and Priorities:
A Demographic Analysis of Fiscal Decisions of the 1998 Session, July 1998 This report is a follow-up to our initial examination of Minnesota state fiscal priorities called Minnesota Values and Priorities: A Demographic Analysis of the 1998 State Budget, published in March 1998. In the original report, we examined the FY 1998 state general fund budget and the 1997 tax expenditure budget in an effort to determine how state fiscal resources are distributed among various groups of beneficiaries. In this report, we have applied the same methodology to the distribution of public resources determined during the 1998 legislative session. Minnesota Values and Priorities:
A Demographic Analysis of the 1998 State Budget, March 1998 This study focuses on state general fund spending for fiscal year 1998, based on the November 1997 Economic Forecast and the Tax Expenditure Budget for 1997. The study defines fiscal priorities in terms of the benefits provided to specific groups sharing common interests. As such, the report’s methodology endeavors to assign all state spending and tax benefits to specific groups of constituencies. |
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