Introduction -
Despite a historic surplus, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned sine die on Sunday, May 22 with most of their work unfinished. This result was far different from the expectations of many when the Legislature...more
On Tuesday, December 7th, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released Minnesota’s November Forecast, projecting a $7.75 billion surplus for the FY 2022-23 biennium. This is a record surplus for Minnesota.
The...more
COVID-19 defined the 2021 regular session of the Minnesota Legislature. When it convened on January 5, 2021, the Legislature had been meeting in special session monthly since June 2020 to consider terminating Governor Walz’s...more
The American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARP) — the recently enacted COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress and signed by President Biden — has significant impacts for Minnesota governments, businesses and individuals.
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In late February 2021, Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota Management and Budget officials released Minnesota’s February Economic and Budget Forecast. The budget forecast revealed a $1.571 billion surplus for the Fiscal Year...more
The unveiling of Governor Tim Walz’s (DFL) biennial budget was the major news at the Minnesota Legislature this week. Governor Walz’s $52.4 billion proposed budget for the next biennium is an 8.5% increase over from Fiscal...more
On July 20, the Minnesota Legislature adjourned its second special session of the summer. While there was no prior agreement between Governor Walz (DFL) and legislative leaders before this special session was called, the hope...more
As expected, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released an updated budget projection this week predicting a budget deficit of $2.426 billion for the current biennium. This projection is an approximate $4 billion swing...more
With two weeks remaining in the legislative session, legislators are processing bills virtually because of COVID-19, which has drastically narrowed legislative priorities in the House and Senate. Even so, the Senate passed...more
Governor Walz announced an agreement with the University of Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic to expand the state’s ability to test for COVID-19. The agreement is intended to significantly expand testing capacity and the...more
The Minnesota Legislature returned from an extended recess this week, with committee meetings held via teleconference and floor sessions subject to social distancing and other measures designed to protect members and the...more
The COVID-19 response remains the sole focus of state government. The Walz administration issued new executive orders addressing health care and economic consequences of the pandemic, providing further guidance on the state’s...more
As it has nationally and internationally, COVID-19 or coronavirus has been the focus for both Governor Walz and the Minnesota Legislature this week. On Monday, the House and Senate unanimously passed emergency legislation...more
The start of the legislative session is right around the corner. The House and Senate will convene on Tuesday, February 11, 2020. The Senate DFL elected Sen. Susan Kent (DFL-Woodbury) as their new minority leader on February...more