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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

September 2023

2023 investments in child care pave the way for a brighter future

During the 2023 Legislative Session, policymakers took important steps to address the urgent child care needs of Minnesotans. This issue brief looks closely at the budget and policy changes made to support the state’s Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP), Early Learning Scholarships, the child care workforce, and child care providers.

August 2023

2023 Health and Human Services Budget will expand access to affordable care

As part of the budget process, Governor Tim Walz, the Minnesota House, and the Minnesota Senate used some of the state’s historic projected budget surpluses to support smart investments and policy decisions so that more Minnesotans have affordable health care. This issue brief takes a deeper look at a few of our health care related budget and policy priorities from the 2023 Legislative Session.

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.

Minnesota Budget Blog Posts

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.

July 18, 2023

July economic update shows state revenues on track, mixed national economic picture

The State of Minnesota ended the most recent fiscal year on a positive revenue note, but the latest update shows the relatively strong national economic outlook is expected to weaken in coming years.

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.

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