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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

July 2018

Federal funds to Minnesota are instrumental to building shared prosperity

Partnership with the federal government allows Minnesotans to have affordable health care, strong roads and transit, supports for jobs and training, and other priorities for thriving families and communities. Close to $25 billion, or 30 percent of the state’s budget, comes from the federal government. Our issue brief looks at how federal budget proposals would significantly weaken this partnership with the states, putting health care, food security, affordable housing, and other supports for Minnesotans at risk.

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October 2017

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals important for Minnesota's economy and inclusive communities

About 10,000 young people in Minnesota are eligible, and 6,300 currently receive, temporary relief from deportation and work permits through the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA is an important tool in building the workforce the state needs. DACA has allowed these young community members to obtain higher levels of education and more work opportunities. They contribute to our communities in many tangible ways, including by an estimated $15 million in state and local taxes annually. Our analysis looks at how DACA recipients contribute to Minnesota and suggests ways to strengthen those contributions to both our economy and our communities.

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November 2015

Stable status for undocumented immigrants good for economy

In Minnesota, as in the rest of the United States, immigrants play a crucial role in shaping our economy and communities. Many of the first Minnesota immigrants came from Scandinavian countries, and today families from India, Laos, Mexico and Somalia call Minnesota their home.

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November 2015

President Obama's executive action on immigration would expand opportunity

Throughout our nation’s history, immigrants have come to the United States in search of opportunities to build a better life for themselves and their families. Immigrants put their skills to work, and build our workforce and revitalize communities. But federal immigration policy has not kept up with the nation’s economic needs. As a result, there are many immigrants who have strong ties in their communities, but who do not have a legal status. Many have been in the country for a long time and have children who are American citizens. Others came to the U.S. as small children and don’t recognize any other home.

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Federal Issues Blog Posts

March 14, 2019

Federal shutdown is over – but harm hit home

The partial federal government shutdown that began on December 22, 2018, and concluded on January 25 of this year was ...

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September 24, 2018

New federal rule would increase hardship among New Americans

This weekend, draft language for a new “public charge” rule was released by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security...

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September 19, 2018

Plans to cut federal economic security programs take aim at wrong target

Federal investments in family economic security – including stable housing, nutritious food, affordable health care,...

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July 16, 2018

New U.S. House budget proposal gives peek into policymakers’ vision for the future

How do you spend your money? It’s a deeply personal question – in a world of limited resources, what you choose to buy...

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More Federal Blog Posts

Research Focus

fed highlighy

Federal Funds are Instrumental to Building Prosperity

The federal government is a significant source of funding for Minnesota and helps more Minnesotans have affordable health care, assists low-income families who are trying to make ends meet, and strengthens our roads and transit systems. 

In the FY 2018-19 biennium, about 30 percent of the state’s budget comes from the federal government, or close to $25 billion. Additional federal dollars go to local governments and nonprofits for education, transportation, and other community investments. Read the full report here.

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