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Recently on our blog…- Constitutional budget amendments kept on the sidelines May 17, 2012 Nan Madden
- Tax debate ends with one bill signed, one pocket veto May 14, 2012 Nan Madden
- A few pieces from vetoed tax bill find a home in House File 2690 May 9, 2012 Nan Madden
- Scaled-back tax bill still raises unanswered questions about the future May 9, 2012 Nan Madden
- Tax cuts are a risky way to try to stimulate state’s economy May 4, 2012 Nan Madden
Category Archives: Budget Process
Constitutional tax and budget amendments create practical problems, taxpayer group says
The Minnesota Taxpayers Association warns that constitutional amendments that limit the state’s budget choices would have negative impacts and unintended consequences. “Constitutional amendments that constrain fiscal decision making have popular appeal but their philosophical problems and the practical mischief they can introduce into … Continue reading
February Forecast shows $323 million surplus now, $1.1 billion shortfall in next biennium
We can all breathe a sigh of relief…at least for now. The February 2012 Economic Forecast, released on Wednesday morning, revealed that financial conditions continue to improve in Minnesota, resulting in a $323 million surplus for the current two-year budget … Continue reading
Posted in Budget Process
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National study calls supermajority amendments a ‘bad idea’
A supermajority requirement in Minnesota would not produce promised results, if the experiences of states that already have supermajority rules are any indication. A national study released this week analyzed supermajority requirements in other states and found no evidence that … Continue reading
Posted in Budget Process, Constitutional Amendments, Economy
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One likely unintended consequence of a supermajority amendment
Minnesota could see pressure to increase property taxes if a constitutional supermajority amendment is adopted, according to a new Minnesota Budget Project analysis. Our report warns that restricting legislators’ ability to raise taxes would make it harder to provide the … Continue reading
Posted in Budget Process, Constitutional Amendments, Taxes
Tagged constitutional amendments, constitutional budget amendments, property taxes, supermajority
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Momentum against constitutional budget amendments is building
It wasn’t too long ago that most Minnesotans had not heard about proposed constitutional budget amendments that the Legislature could take up this session. The amendments would create more government gridlock and budget gimmicks, and remove policymakers’ flexibility to respond … Continue reading
Surplus offers hope for Minnesota schools and communities
Nobody expected this morning’s good news – that the State of Minnesota is projecting an $876 million surplus for the current two-year budget cycle (FY 2012-13). This gives the state the chance to take positive steps toward keeping our promise … Continue reading
Posted in Budget Process, Education
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Going full circle on the cycle of advocacy – tell your story
As the leaves fall, many of us are bracing for the next legislative session and continuing our advocacy for critical state services. But we also know that the cycle of advocacy is a complete circle—including raising awareness of the consequences … Continue reading
Posted in Action Opportunity, Budget Process, Taxes
Tagged advocacy, budget cuts, legislature, state budget, tell your story
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State’s revenues on track, but forecast looks grim
The odds are increasing that Minnesota state government will face a new revenue shortfall when the Legislature reconvenes in February. This July, the Governor and Legislature passed a balanced budget for the FY 2012-13 cycle, which runs through June 30, 2013. But a … Continue reading
