Monthly Archives: December 2010

Unemployment Insurance makes up only a small piece of federal legislation

Now that Congress has passed the “framework agreement” on extending tax cuts and unemployment benefits, it’s a good time to understand the relative size of the various components of that package. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has released … Continue reading

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Weatherization spending primes economic pump, cuts family expenses

A fierce, cold winter wind has been blowing into Minnesota, but here is the good news. Expanded weatherization assistance in the state has created a triple benefit – boosting state economic activity, reducing pollution and lowering energy bills for low- … Continue reading

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Compromise would extend Unemployment Insurance, improvements to tax credits for working families

The Obama administration and Congressional Republican leaders have announced a “framework agreement” for a compromise that includes good news for low- and moderate-income working families and some bad news in the struggle for fair and responsible tax policies. First, the good … Continue reading

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Lame duck Congress facing key decisions on tax policies, unemployment insurance

The “lame duck” Congress is preparing to vote on whether or not to extend some or all of the expiring 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Sharp divisions in both the House and Senate, however, have made the outcome of these … Continue reading

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November Forecast is out: Time to pull out the bifocals

OK, now we know the numbers. But as we consider the figures that were thrown out at today’s release of the November Forecast, let’s not lose sight of the fact that we aren’t just fixing a budget, we are responding … Continue reading

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Economic forecast numbers out tomorrow: Expect worsening revenue picture

Minnesota budget officials will release the state’s November Economic Forecast tomorrow, laying out the size of the new budget deficit and setting the starting point for budget talks. The Forecast is expected to show a worsening revenue shortfall and new … Continue reading

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