Minnesota Budget Outlook and Trends

The state's budget is influenced by economic conditions, and in return, state budget and policy decisions should be informed by how Minnesotans are being effected by the economy. We provide analysis of the state's economic and budget forecasts as well as research on long-term budget trends.

Research

December 2014

Minnesota is on the right track: Inside the November 2014 Economic Forecast

Minnesota continues to be in positive budget territory, with a $556 million positive balance for FY 2014-15. The state also has a projected positive balance for the upcoming FY 2016-17 budget cycle. These positive balances provide opportunity for the state to continue on its recent path of smart investments that promote broader economic security and make our tax system fairer.

March 2014

Economic recovery creates opportunities: inside the February 2014 Forecast

Minnesota's $1.2 billion state budget positive balance shows that Minnesota's economy is making solid gains. Policymakers should act cautiously and continue to work toward a fairer tax system, strengthen budget reserves, and invest in a future of shared prosperity.

December 2013

Minnesota's future brightens, but uncertainty remains: A look at the November 2013 Forecast

A $1.1 billion positive balance means Minnesota will finish reversing past budget gimmicks. It also means policymakers can build upon the progress made in the 2013 Legislative Session and continue to invest in a prosperous future for Minnesota.

March 2013

Minnesota economy improving, but deficits continue: A look at the February 2013 Economic Forecast

Minnesota continues to face budget deficits, even though the economy is improving. The February 2013 Economic Forecast shows an improving budget outlook that reflects higher revenues and lower spending, but deficits continue for the next few years.

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Budget Outlook and Trends Blog Posts

April 16, 2024

Latest economic report shows Minnesota revenues coming in above forecast

Minnesota’s revenues are up, and the near-term national economic outlook is slightly improved compared to the February forecast, according to the new April Revenue and Economic Update from Minnesota Management and Budget. Here are some of the Minnesota Budget Project's top takeaways from the update, including what this might mean for budget and tax decisions this legislative session.

March 08, 2024

Minnesota February Budget Forecast shows improvement

The latest Minnesota budget and economic forecast shows an overall improved state budget picture. The forecast predicts a $3.7 billion general fund surplus projected for the current two-year budget cycle, followed by a $2.2 billion projected positive balance at the end of FY 2026-27. The improved outlook is largely the result of higher projected tax revenues estimated to come into the state. In this blog, we share our takes on the recent forecast and what comes next, which will provide policymakers, advocates, and the public with information to guide upcoming budget decisions in the 2024 Legislative Session.

December 18, 2023

Minnesota’s November Budget Forecast is a mixed bag

The state budget forecast predicts an $82 million positive balance at the end of the four years covered by the forecast. One-time surplus dollars generated in the past continue to be an important funding source throughout the four-year budget window. In this blog, we share our high-level takes on the forecast, which gives policymakers, advocates, and the public an initial look at the state’s budget landscape as we get closer to the upcoming legislative session.

November 27, 2023

Recent information points to stronger state budget picture

Recent budget reports suggest that Minnesota will likely project a larger budget surplus when the next legislative session kicks off. This in part reflects the fact that the national economy has performed more strongly this year than was previously anticipated. In October, Minnesota Management and Budget determined that the prior FY 2022-23 final general fund balance was $820 million higher than end-of-session estimates.

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