ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Gov. Tim Walz says human services spending passed in past legislatures, by both parties, has put the state on a path to unsustainable cost growth. During his State of the State address, the governor says in just a few years, the biggest of those human services programs will eat up $1 in every $8. He is…
ST. PAUL (AP) — Minnesota’s budget picture remains stable in the near term, with a slightly higher than expected surplus heading into the 2024 legislative session. But there are clouds on the horizon, officials announced Wednesday. An updated forecast from Minnesota Management and Budget projects a surplus of $2.4 billion in the two-year budget period that runs through June of 2025. That is up $808 million…
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum signs a bill into law providing more than $500 million in savings for state and property taxpayers over the next two years. The bill compresses five income tax brackets down to three. Taxes on the lowest bracket would be eliminated. That includes single filers under $45,000 a year and married couples…
ST. PAUL (AP/KVRR) — Leaders of the Republican minority at the Minnesota Legislature roll out a $13 billion “Give It Back” plan in response to the states latest budget surplus forecast. Republicans announced their plan a day after state budget officials released an updated forecast showing that the surplus has remained stable at $17.5 billion. Higher-than expected revenues helped offset…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — Millions of Minnesota families would get checks of up to $2,600 under a budget plan by Gov. Tim Walz. The direct payments, which come from the state’s $17.6 billion surplus, are the centerpiece of an overall $65 billion budget he unveiled Tuesday. The payments would be $2,000 for families with incomes below $150,000, and $1,000…
ST. PAUL (KVRR) — Senators from across Minnesota are sworn into office to begin the 2023 session in St. Paul by Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Natalie E. Hudson. Among them is former KVRR Chief Meteorologist Rob Kupec who won the senate seat in District 4 which covers an area from Moorhead to Detroit Lakes. After the swearing in, the senate…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota House Democratic majority has proposed spending $1.15 billion of the state’s $9.25 billion budget surplus on education. The plan emphasizes mental health supports, special education and English language learners. It draws a sharp contrast with Senate Republicans who want to cut taxes by $3.4 billion while spending $30 million more on schools. The big…
ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR/AP) — The Minnesota Legislature will convene on January 31 and confront a good problem: a $7.7 billion surplus. It’s bound to set up clashes in this election year over whether to spend the money on unmet needs or give it back to taxpayers. The main job for lawmakers in even-numbered years traditionally is a public works…
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Legislature will decide how to handle a $7.7 billion surplus when it convenes Monday, Jan. 31. The main job for lawmakers in even-numbered years traditionally is a public works borrowing package known as a bonding bill. Democratic Gov. Tim Walz has proposed a record $2.7 billion package, which will likely be challenged by Republicans….
ST.PAUL, Minn. — Governor Tim Walz lays out the groundwork for how the state is pushing back against the coronavirus outbreak that continues to grow. “Many of you are out of work. Businesses, large and small, are shuttered across the state. The companionship we normally lean on to get through difficult times—a hug from a grandparent, coffee with a friend, or…
