Minnesota's budget

Minnesota Public Radio coverage of the Minnesota budget negotiations.

Wild rice measure tucked into Minn. budget deal
Some environmentalists are concerned about study into water quality standards meant to protect wild rice beds will prevent enforcement of the existing standard.July 27, 2011
Group homes worry about law change hidden in budget bill
Advocates for the disabled were surprised to find new policies for group homes included in the state budget bill passed last week — policies they said were never publicly discussed or debated by lawmakers, state officials, or the governor.July 26, 2011
Reservations open today for state parks
The online reservations system for Minnesota state parks reopens Tuesday morning, nearly a month after closing for the state government shutdown.July 26, 2011
Dayton personally thanks back-to-work state workers
Some state employees returning to work Monday received a handshake and thank-you from Gov. Mark Dayton.July 25, 2011
Minn. budget deal doesn't sit well with lay political watchers
Some Democrats are upset that DFL Gov. Mark Dayton gave up his push for higher taxes on the state's wealthiest residents, while some Republicans wanted deeper cuts in state spending.July 22, 2011
Shutdown-related costs worry Minn. road contractors
State road contractors say they fear they'll have an unpleasant surprise waiting for them as they start work again after the state's shutdown.July 22, 2011
State's bond ratings downgrades flag fiscal problems, but may be less costly than feared
Earlier this month, some important folks in the finance and credit business in New York gave Minnesota a bit of a spanking. That was even before there was a budget deal to review. But it's happened before.July 22, 2011
Special master says her job is done, steps down
While state employees are returning to work after a 20-day layoff, the judge who heard arguments for funding programs during the shutdown said her job is done.July 21, 2011
Did government deliver on jobs?
For the past seven months, jobs and the state budget were atop of the discussion for Gov. Mark Dayton and lawmakers. But did they deliver on jobs?July 21, 2011
Minneapolis will cut jobs, projects to balance shortfall in state aid
Minneapolis city officials said they will have to cut jobs, road paving projects and money set aside for property tax relief to make up for more than a $23 million reduction in state aid.July 21, 2011
Itasca State Park open to visitors
With the exception of the restaurant and lodge and a few cabins at the park, officials say visitors are welcome to return.July 21, 2011
Shutdown could have political consequences for both parties
After three weeks of a government shutdown during which more than 20,000 state workers sat at home laid off, and state parks, rest stops and countless other operations sat idle, many Minnesotans are angry the people they elected to balance the state budget failed to do so.July 20, 2011
Small cities anticipate LGA funding delay
As the Legislature is about to begin a special session to settle the state's budget, the revenue department issues a release stating that Local Government Aid checks be delayed until at least July 27.July 20, 2011
Government restart: What's open? When?
Minnesota's government restart brings the reopening of state parks and other services.July 20, 2011
Questions remain for how budget will affect state workers
The budget bills Gov. Mark Dayton signed Wednesday will likely translate to reduced funding to some departments and cuts to the state workforce by 6 percent.July 20, 2011