Budget shortfall renews political showdown State finance officials say the state is facing a projected $1.2 billion budget shortfall for the current two-year budget cycle.December 2, 2009
Medications might be scarce for ex-offenders after GAMC elimination Early next year, the General Assistance Medical Care program will likely be replaced by MinnesotaCare, another state program for the poor, and the switch may mean some ex-offenders won't have access to the mental health medication they need.December 2, 2009
DFL gubernatorial candidates differ on sales tax expansion The DFL candidates running for governor have been pretty vocal about raising income taxes for wealthy Minnesotans as a way to solve the state's fiscal problems, but some Democrats say an income tax increase alone won't solve the state's ongoing budget problems.December 1, 2009
Who pays for health care reform? As the Senate works on its version of health care overhaul, the question remains how the more than $800 billion cost will be covered in the budget. Some economists are concerned the taxes proposed will not work to reign in costs, nor be sustainable over the long term.Midmorning, November 23, 2009
Minn. property taxes to rise an average of 3.5% State officials say property tax rates will increase an average of 3.5 percent when proposed local levies are adopted later this year.November 19, 2009
In Moorhead, school funding woes concern entire city Nine of every 10 Minnesota schools now depend on voter-approved tax increases to pay their bills. But what happens when voters reject a tax increase and schools make deep budget cuts? That's what happened in Moorhead, and budget woes for schools are affecting the entire city.November 19, 2009
Health care bill would address Medicare 'doughnut hole' Since 2006, senior citizens have been able to choose plans for Medicare prescription drug coverage, but that coverage contains a gap known as the "doughnut hole," a gap that health care reform plans being debated in Congress would address.November 18, 2009
Pawlenty's power to cut state budget lands in court A Minnesota judge is weighing whether to
temporarily reverse budget cuts made by Gov. Tim Pawlenty at the request of those who say he exceeded his authority.November 16, 2009
Health care debate moves to Senate The U.S. Senate is scheduled to begin debate on its version of the health care reform bill this week. But questions about cost, a public option, and language on abortion could derail Democratic leader Harry Reid's efforts to get the bill passed.Midmorning, November 16, 2009
State might have to borrow to pay bills next year Minnesota's top finance official says the state may have to do some short-term borrowing to manage cash flow needs, something that hasn't happened since the early 1980s.November 12, 2009
The House health care bill and Minnesota The House passed its version of health care reform on Saturday, and certain elements of the bill may affect how things are done in Minnesota.November 11, 2009
Sen. Klobuchar hoping for reduction in medical device tax Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she hopes the Senate will reduce the proposed $40 billion tax on medical device manufacturers, as health care reform legislation makes its way through the Senate.November 9, 2009