Minnesota Legislature: Taxes & Finance



Twin Cities mayors worry about their budgets

Federal stimulus money may help take the sting away from the loss of state money. The mayors of St. Paul and Minneapolis talk about balancing budgets and dealing with a flagging economy. (Midmorning, 03/09/2009)

Budget cuts may hit rural seniors harder

In just a couple of decades, nearly 30 percent of the population in some Minnesota counties will be people over 65. Local officials worry about how to reach out to a rural, sometimes isolated population. (03/05/2009)

Former Minnesota governor discusses state deficit

State finance officials say Minnesota is facing a $4.6 billion budget deficit in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Former Republican Gov. Arne Carlson joins Gary Eichten in studio to discuss the deficit and its impact on funding priorities. (Midday, 03/04/2009)

Lawmakers spar over education spending in budget forecast

Minnesota is facing a $4.5 billion budget deficit in fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Now, two key players in the budget debate are publicly disagreeing on funding for K-12 education, the largest area of state spending. (03/04/2009)

The state budget in your backyard: Fergus Falls

We continue our look at the impact of the state's budget shortfall through the eyes of individual communities. This time, we visit Fergus Falls. (03/04/2009)

Minn. economic forecast: Gloomy for a few more years

While politicians wrangled today over how to address the projected shortfall in the next biennium, the state economist laid out the grim reasons behind the budget problems. Some observers say even his gloomy outlook might be too sunny. (03/03/2009)

Kelliher, Seifert discuss their budget ideas

Minnesota lawmakers now have a budget number to work with -- the deficit is $4.5 billion. Two Minnesota House leaders from either side of the aisle offer their perspectives on how to balance the budget. (Midmorning, 03/03/2009)

Gov. Pawlenty discusses the budget forecast

Gov. Tim Pawlenty holds a news conference this morning to answer questions about the new revenue forecast and projected budget deficit of $4.5 billion. We have live coverage, plus analysis of the new numbers from two political observers. (Midday, 03/03/2009)

Some cities warn of budget cuts while sitting on rainy day funds

Local elected officials have been warning that state aid cuts will mean fewer police and firefighters on the street. But some cities appear to be in a better position than others to handle cuts. (03/03/2009)

Legislators eye fix for red ink

State finance officials release a new economic forecast today, and all signs suggest Minnesota's $4.8 billion budget deficit will grow significantly larger. (03/03/2009)

State colleges prepare for budget cuts

St. Cloud State University already lost $1.6 million when Gov. Pawlenty used his budget-cutting authority late last year. (03/02/2009)

How Minnesota should deal with the budget deficit

Former Republican Gov. Al Quie and former DFL Sen. Majority Leader Roger Moe offer advice on how to deal with the state's current $4.8 billion budget deficit, which could get even bigger when a new forecast comes out this week. (Midday, 02/27/2009)

Tax-free duds could be budget casualty in Minn.

Minnesota is one of just a few states that don't tax clothing sales. But calls to extend the sales tax to clothes are expected to grow as state leaders confront a nearly $5 billion deficit. (02/27/2009)

Many states consider tax hikes, spending cuts

Minnesota, with a projected budget deficit of $5 billion over the next two years, is not alone. In fact, more than 30 states face projected budget gaps, thanks to the sagging economy. (02/27/2009)

White Bear Lake residents wrestle with the state budget deficit

Minnesota Public Radio held a forum on the state budget -- and how it affects one community, White Bear Lake. (02/22/2009)

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