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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

January 2021

Affordable Care Act: Minnesota has much at stake

When it passed a decade ago, the Affordable Care Act was the most comprehensive change to health care policy in a generation, and resulted in more people with health care coverage as well as improvements to make health care more accessible. This issue brief examines how Minnesotans have benefited from the Affordable Care Act, and what's at stake if it goes away.

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August 2020

New data show COVID is amplifying hardships for low-income people and folks of color

New data from the Census Bureau illustrates the staggering increase in hardship as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and burgeoning economic recession. And the burden falls particularly on people of color, who benefitted the least from the economic boom times and today can least absorb the blow.

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August 2020

Recession responses that do not center Minnesotans of color likely to widen racial disparities

Policy responses to the Great Recession were insufficient in magnitude and length to mitigate racial disparities, and in fact some disparities were made worse. Policymakers must prioritize racial equity in their responses to the current economic downturn and COVID pandemic, to ensure all our communities, whether Black, Brown, or white, can thrive and are resilient in weathering these crises.

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November 2019

Only Wealthy Immigrants Need Apply: The Chilling Effects of "Public Charge"

While not yet in effect, President Trump's public charge rule would have a chilling effect on over 200,000 Minnesotans and have negative economic impacts on the state. 

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Federal Issues Blog Posts

January 05, 2021

Economic recovery would be strengthened by immigrant-inclusive COVID response

With the onset of winter, it’s clear that the coronavirus and accompanying economic disruption will continue to be with...

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October 15, 2020

Economic update shows COVID-19’s impact, need for federal action

COVID-19 is still a major threat to the country’s health, economy, and public services we all count on. The state of Min...

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August 13, 2020

Emergency SNAP funding an essential part of an anti-racist COVID response

Expanded SNAP food assistance is one tool that should be made available to the millions of families struggling to get by while also being one step in reversing centuries-long patterns of discrimination.

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August 10, 2020

Minnesota expecting continued revenue shortfalls; time for strong federal action

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.

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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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