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Minnesota Budget

We look at budgets as a set of priorities that should reflect our values as a community. State budget decisions effect whether Minnesota children get a quality education, whether young people have what they need to succeed, whether Minnesotans can find and keep good jobs that allow them to support themselves and their families, and whether our elders and neighbors living with disabilities are able to live with dignity in their own communities.

Our state budget analysis emphasizes public services that expand opportunity and economic security to all Minnesotans, what current economic conditions mean for Minnesotans and the state budget, and the importance of following sound budget practices. You'll also find tools to better understand and engage in the budget-setting process.

Minnesota Budget Plans Research

January 2023

Income tax repeal would damage Minnesota's quality of life, increase inequality

All Minnesotans deserve to lead healthy and secure lives. But the path to a stronger, more equitable future for our...

May 2022

How to find more information about how Minnesota's American Rescue Plan funds are being used

The federal American Rescue Plan (ARP) directed $8.5 billion to the state of Minnesota, as well as local and tribal governments. This page outlines several resources to help you find more specific information about the three primary types of ARP funding going to state and local governments.

March 2022

Minnesotans need continuous health insurance coverage

Minnesota has a strong history of investments in health care and has the capacity to make our health care system more equitable so that it works for everyone, regardless of income, address, age, disability, race, ethnicity, or gender. The state’s historic budget surplus provides an opportunity to expand on Minnesota’s existing framework and move toward providing the best possible coverage for all Minnesotans.

March 2022

Public investments make health care affordable and save lives

Health care should be accessible and affordable for all, regardless of paycheck, address, race, ethnicity, gender, or...

Minnesota Budget Blog Posts

May 11, 2023

Cooperation paves the way for important investments in affordable child care

With a historic surplus of $17.5 billion for FY 2024-25 and $5.4 billion structural balance for FY 2026-27 , Minnesota...

May 11, 2023

House-Senate conference committee considering investments to expand affordable health care

While the Health and Human Services conference committee is hashing out the specifics, we can likely say the final budget will make important investments that secure expanded access to health care and ensure a better, healthier future for many.

April 12, 2023

Latest economic report shows state revenues on track with projected large surpluses

Both the state of Minnesota’s revenues and the national economic forecast are slightly improved compared to the February...

March 23, 2023

Early agreement on state budget targets outline use of the surplus

On Tuesday, the Minnesota House and Senate leadership and Governor Tim Walz released joint budget targets that lay out ...

Minnesota Budget Outlook and Trends Research

August 2022

Inadequate state funding puts higher education further out of reach

Decreasing state funding to public higher education institutions over the years has dramatically increased costs for students and their families. This brief looks at how disinvestment has shifted tuition costs to students, and has disproportionately harmed low-income and BIPOC students.

February 2020

Minnesota should invest in the future: Inside the November 2019 Economic Forecast

The November 2019 Economic Forecast brought some positive news for now, but predicts a more challenging budget situation in the future. Minnesota is in positive budget territory with a $1.3 billion balance projected for the current two-year budget cycle, FY 2020-21. However, that good news is short-lived. Faced with a short-term surplus, policymakers have an opportunity to make some one-time investments.

February 2018

Minnesota needs to prepare for future: Inside the November 2017 Economic Forecast

The November Economic Forecast projects a $188 million deficit for FY 2018-19 and a $586 million deficit for FY 2020-21. This brief examines the forecast’s economic data that show Minnesota’s economy is still doing fairly well, and that the national economy is expected to grow, although at a slower rate than previously projected. These budgetary projections do not include the impact of likely federal tax and budget changes; state policymakers should ensure Minnesota is fully prepared to navigate the uncharted landscape ahead.

February 2017

Caution is key: Inside the February 2017 Economic Forecast

Minnesota continues its positive budget trend, with a $743 million positive balance for the rest of FY 2016-17 and a $1.7 billion projected positive balance for the upcoming FY 2018-19 budget cycle. These projected balances provide opportunities for the state to make smart investments to bring the economic recovery to every part of the state. However, an uncertain federal budget and tax landscape calls for caution. Minnesota lawmakers should avoid large and unsustainable tax cuts that could put our economic future on shaky ground.

Minnesota Budget Process Research

December 2022

Restoring an inflation measure to the state's Budget and Economic Forecast

The state’s economic forecasts are essential tools for policymakers and the public to understand the state’s fiscal si...

December 2021

Putting American Rescue Plan dollars to work for Minnesota: Major funding sources to state and local governments

The American Rescue Plan dollars have created an extraordinary opportunity to put a substantial down-payment on the investments that Minnesotans need and to start building a more equitable state and economy. Read how the dollars are distributed to state and local governments.

March 2020

What to wear when visiting the Capitol

If you're visiting the Minnesota State Capitol to attend a hearing or visit your elected representative, you might wo...

March 2020

Aprenda sobre el proceso presupuestario de Minnesota

Todos somos parte importante del sistema tributario de Minnesota y podemos dar nuestra opinión en el congreso estatal,...

Issues