Minnesota Budget Bites

Coronavirus is disproportionately harming the economic well-being and health of BIPOC communities and these impacts are rooted in systemic racism. Policymakers must respond with anti-racist policies that provide aid to those most in need, address structural racism to build broadly-shared prosperity, and strengthen state revenues in order to build equitable and inclusive communities for all.

July brought us more sobering news about the ongoing damage that COVID-19 is expected to have on the economy, and by extension the state’s budget.

Data shows climbing numbers of Minnesotans needing some help to afford care while we’re also seeing massive state revenue shortfalls as a result of the pandemic’s economic disruption. This presents a serious mismatch of needs and resources. An increase to federal Medicaid funding is needed to make sure people can get the health care they need, when they need it.

The Senate relief package – called HEALS Act -- is inadequate to meet the challenges of this moment and is too small to jumpstart our economy. Instead of prioritizing the health and well-being of Americans and building for an economic recovery, the Senate plan falls short and would result in more kids going hungry and at risk of becoming homeless, force more lay-offs of teachers and other state and local government workers, and cause harmful cuts to health care, education, and other urgently needed services.