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Federal Issues

Federal policy decisions in areas from health care to nutrition to the environment have a real impact on Minnesotans' daily lives. The federal government is also an important partner in funding public services at the state and local levels, and federal tax decisions influence our state tax system as well. Our analysis focuses on whether federal policies support or hinder Minnesota's progress toward building a broader prosperity for all.

Research

May 2008

Racial reform of the estate tax: A solution in search of a problem

A large package of tax cuts became law in 2001, including the gradual elimination of the federal estate tax. Those laws are set to expire in 2011, when the estate tax will revert to previous higher rates. The nearing expiration date has triggered a set of unaffordable and unfair proposals to radically lower, or even eliminate, the estate tax.

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March 2008

Federal economic stimulus bill reaches more people, but leaves out quickest-acting measures

Effective Stimulus Is Targeted, Timely and Temporary Amid numerous signs that the U.S. economy was faltering, Congress...

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March 2008

President's proposed budget cuts would hurt Minnesotans and increase Minnesota's budget deficit

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October 2007

Congress acts to cover more kids through State Children's Health Insurance Program

What is the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)? Since its creation by Congress in 1997, the State Childre...

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Federal Issues Blog Posts

January 25, 2024

Proposed federal Child Tax Credit expansion would boost the incomes of millions of families

Congress is considering passing an important expansion of the federal Child Tax Credit that would benefit about 16 million children in low-income families across the US. But it's not a sure thing yet. We've included a link in the blog to email your representatives today, urging them to pass an expanded CTC and reduce poverty among the nation's children.

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January 25, 2023

Child poverty declines sharply thanks to federal Child Tax Credit expansion

Thanks in part to improvements policymakers made to the federal Child Tax Credit (CTC), recent U.S. Census data show that from 2019 to 2021, child poverty fell a remarkable 59 percent. Minnesota policymakers should build on that success and create a state Child Tax Credit.

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October 25, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act advances economic relief, tax equity, and climate response

The federal Inflation Reduction Act includes provisions so that seniors, workers, and families can meet their health care and basic needs, takes important steps to address the climate crisis, and raises revenues from those with the greatest resources to invest in critical public services.

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May 23, 2022

Lack of public investment shifts costs of college education to students and families

Higher education is a steppingstone for many Minnesotans to further their career goals, gain advanced qualifications in ...

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More Federal Blog Posts

Research Focus

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American Rescue Plan Resources

The federal American Rescue Plan (ARP), signed in March 2021, brought about $8.5 billion to Minnesota state and local governments. Learn more about the ARP funding streams and how Minnesota policymakers allocated these resources.  

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