Below are links to public policy news that has gotten pushed off the front page. Follow the links in each heading to learn more!

2006

House Proposes Significant Barriers to Voter Participation - In April of 2006, the Minnesota House of Representatives considered a bill that would have created extraordinary burdens on Minnesotans before they could vote.

2005

Bill Passes House With Nonprofit Gag Provision Intact - In October 2005, the House of Representatives in DC passed a bill which included restrictions on voter registraion.

2005 Legislative Session: Moving Minnesota Forward? - MCN and the Minnesota Budget Project have analyzed how budget decisions made at the State Legislature in 2005 will impact working families and individuals, children and youth, and populations with unique needs.

2005 Government Shutdown Impact on Nonprofits - A partial government shutdown commenced at 12:01 am July 1, after the legislature was unable to agree on a budget for certain core functions by the close of the fiscal year. The shutdown ended after one week, but the delayed conclusion of the Legislative Session had important implications for nonprofit organizations.

Communities Lose as Nonprofit Sector Struggles - A survey conducted by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits in early 2004 reveals that nonprofits are facing increasing financial pressures as their major sources of revenues have been on the decline.  

Compensation of Nonprofit Employees Discussed at the Capitol - On February 1, 2005 a bill (HF 593) was introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives to limit the salary of nonprofit employees to that of the Governor's.  

2004

November Forecast Shows Ongoing Budget Shortfalls - The November Forecast shows that Minnesota faces a deficit of $700 million in the upcoming 2006-07 biennium.  The deficit grows to...

2004 Legislative Session End - The 2004 Legislative Session ended on May 15 without the passage of a legislative solution to the state's projected deficit of $160 million for the FY 2004-05 biennium.  Follow the link above for documents that provide information on what nearly happened in the 2004 session.

Secretary of State Proposes Adoption of New Rules Governing Voter Registration - On June 8, 2004, Minnesota Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer proposed the adoption of new rules governing voter registration. MCN has submitted Comments to the Office of the Secretary of State requesting a public hearing on these proposed rules.

Governor Releases Grant Freeze - In a June 14, 2004 memo, the Department of Finance allows agencies to proceed with grant agreements, but advises prudence.

Former Finance Commissioners Speak Out About Fiscal Leadership and Minnesota's Financial Future - As Minnesota struggles with the impact of 2003 budget cuts, debates proposals for addressing the 2004-2005 deficit, and faces a looming structural deficit for the next biennium, former Commissioners of Finance Jay Kiedrowski and John Gunyou have been speaking out about long term approaches and principles that will enable Minnesota to be a high quality of life state with a sound economic future.  Click the link above to see the video!

2003

Government Budget Cuts and Economy Take Their Toll on Nonprofits - Two reports by the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits and the Minnesota Budet Project illustrate the impact of budget cuts and the economic downturn on nonprofits and the people they serve - just follow the link!

2003 Legislative Session End - During the 2003 Legislative Session, Minnesota's elected officials needed to find a solution to the state's largest budget deficit in recent history.  Follow the link above to see summaries of legislative decisions developed by various organizations.

MCN Calls for Income Tax Surcharge - The Minnesota Council of Nonprofits called on the Minnesota Legislature to balance the state's budget for 2004-05 using a strategic and balanced approach, including taxes. This document is available in Word or PDF formats.  MCN's Principles for State Fiscal Decisions is also available in Word or PDF formats.

Deleted for Budgetary Reasons - During the 2003 Legislative Session, The Minneapolis Foundation and MCN launched a new advertising campaign that encouraged Minnesotans to consider the impact of proposed budget cuts on the quality of life in Minnesota.   To view or download the ads, read the press release, or just find out more, visit the campaign's archived website at www.GoodforMinnesota.org.

Helpful Research

Trends in Minnesota Spending - This report by the Minnesota Budget Project and Property Tax Study Project, takes a comprehensive look at state and local government spending in Minnesota over a ten year period. Follow the link to learn more!

Questions? Comments? Contact Joshua Schenck Winters at josh@mncn.org

Headlines by Year

2006
2005
2004
2003
Helpful Research