Monthly Archives: July 2011

Health and human services budget asks vulnerable Minnesotans to pay a price

Many of Minnesota’s most vulnerable populations, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income families with children, are being asked to help balance the state’s budget through $1 billion in cuts to health and human services in the final budget approved by Governor Dayton and … Continue reading

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State government budget chips away at funding

It’s not sexy, but the state government finance bill plays a key role in ensuring the wheels of government keep moving. Some of what’s funded in this bill include offices established by the state constitution, the Department of Revenue, Minnesota Management and … Continue reading

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K-12 education budget shifts costs to the future

The compromise reached between Governor Dayton and the Legislature on the K-12 education was a lynchpin to secure an overall budget agreement and end the state shutdown. The bill increases funding for K-12 education by $190 million in FY 2012-13, or one percent, mostly by increasing funding for … Continue reading

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Final tax bill locks in cuts to cities and counties, makes smaller cut to renters’ property tax refunds

Policymakers had the opportunity this session to take a balanced approach to the budget that would have ensured that our tax system raised adequate revenues to sustainably fund our state’s priorities. They also had the opportunity to address the fact … Continue reading

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Nobel laureates, leading economists oppose Balanced Budget Amendment to Constitution

Seven of the nation’s top economists, including five Nobel laureates, a former vice chair of the Federal Reserve System Board of Governors and a former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, have come out in opposition to a Balanced … Continue reading

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Jobs and economic development budget bill a mixed bag for workers, employers and housing

Governor Dayton and the Legislature approved a jobs and economic development bill that increases funding by $2 million in FY 2012-13, or one percent. That is a better than the $14 million in cuts approved by the Legislature, but not as good as the $4 … Continue reading

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Higher education funding cut below FY 2000-01 levels in compromise agreement

Higher education is cut by $351 million in the agreement reached between Governor Dayton and the Legislature, a 12 percent cut in general fund support in FY 2012-13 and slightly less than in the legislative budget. As a result, the … Continue reading

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Public safety compromise still includes cuts in services for vulnerable populations

Governor Dayton and the Legislature have released a budget for public safety that increases funding by $17 million in FY 2012-13. The slight increase supports additional funding for prisons, public defenders and the courts, but the budget still includes cuts to services that will … Continue reading

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Agreement between Governor Dayton and Legislature cuts transit by $54 million

Details of the agreement between Governor Dayton and the Legislature on funding transportation emerged Monday afternoon. The bill includes more than $54 million in reductions to mass transit in the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota. While this level of cuts is … Continue reading

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Budget solution means our revenues still don’t match up with our priorities

Late Thursday afternoon, Governor Dayton and legislative leaders came to an agreement on a framework for the state’s budget that will have a profound impact on Minnesota’s future economic vitality and fiscal health. The agreement increases the size of the … Continue reading

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