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

January 2013

Minnesota should get on a sustainable track: A look at the November 2012 Economic Forecast

Even though the economy is improving, Minnesota faces a $1.1 billion deficit in FY 2014-15 ($2.0 billion when inflation is included). Policymakers have an opportunity in the 2013 Legislative Session to end the cycle of budget deficits and quick fixes and get the state on a sustainable path.

March 2012

Surplus short-lived as deficit looms: The February 2012 Economic Forecast

Minnesota has a $323 million surplus for the current budget cycle, the FY 2012-13 biennium. These funds will be used to refill the state's budget reserve and start to reverse the school funding shift. However, Minnesota faces a $1.1 billion shortfall in the FY 2014-15 budget cycle, which policymakers will need to address when they return to session in 2013.

December 2011

Surplus now, deficit later: A look at the November 2011 Economic Forecast

Minnesota has an $876 million surplus, but is facing a $1.3 billion deficit in the next budget cycle. How policymakers address these challenges will have a major effect on the state's economic future.

March 2011

Minnesota's forecast improves, but deficits continue: A look at the February 2011 Forecast

Minnesota's financial picture has improved slightly since November, with the state's budget deficit falling from $6.2 billion to $5.0 billion for FY 2012-13. The state's economy, however, continues to improve at a slow pace and unemployment levels aren't expected to improve until 2014.

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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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