G&J News

2009 Minnesota legislative session begins this week

1/6/2009 3:27:59 PM

With Minnesota facing a $4.85 billion budget deficit, expect negotiations over what and how much to cut to dominate the 2009 legislative session, starting this week.

Growth & Justice President Dane Smith is quoted in this Pioneer Press article by Bill Salisbury.

Session begins…let’s talk targets

1/6/2009 12:17:20 PM

A target tutorial by Christina Wessel, Minnesota Budget Project.

Lawmakers to seek tax hikes to balance budget

1/6/2009 9:47:36 AM

Speaker of the House Margaret Anderson Kelliher said that the state's $4.85 billion deficit needs new revenue to be balanced. By Don Davis, Forum Communication.

Schools brace for rough Legislative session

1/6/2009 9:36:20 AM

The size of the Minnesota budget deficit means even schools might not be 'off-limits' to cuts. Gov. Pawlenty has said K-12 education will be a priority in his budget proposal, but that might end up meaning fewer cuts for schools than other parts of state government. And for all the discussions being had over school funding, there are a number of non-money education issues that could also come up this session at the Capitol.

New fees in the era of 'no new taxes'

1/6/2009 9:42:23 AM

During the era of "no new taxes," Minnesota is primarily addressing rising budget shortfalls by cutting much-needed aid to local governments and jacking up regressive fees on Minnesota families. Relying on these policies alone to resolve the $5.5 billion deficit would have disastrous repercussions for our state.

Session 2009: The big hole

1/5/2009 9:38:20 AM

To battle record budget deficit and recession, legislators will have to find ways to match expected federal stimulus dollars. By Charley Shaw, Capitol Report.

Two reports make pitch for more education funding

12/31/2008 2:42:21 PM

As lawmakers head to the Capitol next week to face a massive budget deficit, two new reports, in addition to Smart Investments in Minnesota's Students, are making the case that lawmakers need to put more money into education. By Tom Weber, Minnesota Public Radio.

New York State taxes may rise for rich

12/31/2008 8:53:45 AM

Gov. Patterson calls higher taxes on the wealthy unappealing but likely. A New York Times article by Danny Hakim.

Kids not ready for kindergarten cost Minnesota schools $113 million a year

12/31/2008 8:49:19 AM

A study released by the Wilder Foundation found that the thousands of children who enter school unprepared for kindergarten costs the K-12 system $113 million every year. By Emily Johns, Star Tribune.

State lawmakers will see no easy fix for financial woes

12/31/2008 8:45:38 AM

The budget deficit is epic. By T.W. Budig, ECM Newspapers.

Community college offers imperfect solution to a difficult problem

12/30/2008 8:30:27 AM

Normandale Community College in Bloomington is offering open seats in classes at no cost to new students who can prove that they receive unemployment compensation. By John Fitzgerald , Minnesota 2020

Reform refrain to be heard

12/30/2008 8:14:55 AM

With a massive state budget deficit, there is widespread agreement that state spending practices must change. By Don Davis, Forum Communication.