State Government Budget
NEW: Links to the Governor’s budget recommendations for state government agencies and the constitutional officers.
We invite you to contribute your ideas for the state’s budget for state government operations and administration. This forum is a space for you to join the discussion on how the state should prioritize funding for these issues.
The State Government Budget Division reviews several large and small agencies. These agencies are: The Department of Administration, MN Management and Budget (the former Dept. of Finance and Dept. of Employee Relations), the Office of Enterprise Technology, and the Department of Revenue.
(click images to enlarge)
NEW: Links to the Governor’s budget recommendations for agencies that fall under the State Government Budget Committee’s jurisdiction.
Office of Enterprise Technology
MN Management and Budget (formerly the Department of Finance)
MN Management and Budget non-operating funds
This budget committee also oversees the constitutional offices such as the Attorney General, the State Auditor, the Secretary of State, the Governor’s office, as well as the State Legislature. This division also includes some smaller agencies such as the Capitol Area Architecture and Planning Board, the Amateur Sports Commission, and the Councils of Color. State Pensions are included in the division, but are reviewed by the Legislative Pension Commission.
You may also share your ideas directly with your local Senator:
Follow this link to look up contact information for your Senator.
Follow this link to look up who represents you.
To learn more about the Senators who serve on the State Government Budget Committee, follow this link.
Fridley
January 15th, 2009 at 6:31 am
I just heard about another possible boost in the per diem for our legislators. What an example!?! Frankly I think this should be pulled back & examined. If legislators live in the metro area - there should be NO per diem - only mileage for meetings. Let’s use some common sense in this & tighten our budget.
Bethel
January 15th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Rate all services, “1 through 10″ by priority. 1 being the highest, such as police, fire, etc. Eliminate all the 10’s now. Later the 9’s, and so on as needed.
Waite Park
January 15th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
So if we are going to have a wage increase freeze, this better pertain to everyone including the governor himself.
Maple Grove
January 15th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
In this tuff time why don’t you the Legislators take the lead and follow the New Hampshire Legislators, getting paid $100 for the year, only you do it for the next 2 years of the Budget Cycle.
Plymouth
January 15th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
#1 Legislators should not get a raise or per diem raise in tough times.
#2 State, County and City employees should take 1 week of Leave with out pay
As a Public Employee I caould live with the one week Leave with out pay - less taxes
Hastings
January 15th, 2009 at 7:09 pm
I know it can not be done over night but why not consider reducing the size of our legislature and not worry about a budget short fall ever again….Minnesota’s legislature is bigger in numbers than the California legislature, never has made sense to me
Savage
January 15th, 2009 at 7:49 pm
I wish to make a comment on Pawlenty, wanting to make all these cuts .Lets look at this realistically,we could make better choices by not giving all these all raises to the Legislation, while the County and Federal employees go without, who works harder here? Give me a break there is something wrong with system!!
Hastings
January 16th, 2009 at 7:06 am
Give all state employees hired,elected,appointed,temporary, contract employees except for National gaurd Active Duty a 10% pay cut. This could be done without violating the union contracts by making every one take a day off a pay period without pay. They could use vacation pay for the day off and the day off would scheduled so it wouldn’t disrupt the operation or so everyone had the opertunity to have Monday and Friday off. Monday or Friday off. (the day off would have to be a normal day the person would normally recieve pay for)This would not be much of a hardship for anyone.
Hastings
January 16th, 2009 at 7:11 am
Turn off one half of the lights in state buildings during working hours and cut way back on heat and lights during the none working hours.
Shut computors off and night and when not in use
Cut back by 50% travel for state employees
Red Wing
January 16th, 2009 at 9:38 am
The beginning of Gov Pawlenty’s address yesterday was awesome. We need to get the message to Minnesota of the “kitchen table” concept. If our citizens are having to revisit their spending priorities, then our government has to make hard choices also. To freeze payroll/hiring for two years will show you are serious, that you understand the plight of the people that hired you. My son-in-law,a union member, had a choice of loosing his job or take a $150.00 per week pay cut plus pay an additional $50 toward health care,that is just one story that hit close to home. You just have to trim significantly all areas, we have had the luxury of good income, good revenue and we chose to spend, now we have to take back,be resourceful,be more respondsible be accountable and help our next door neighbors.Will it be tough, will it hurt, you bet, but it has to be done today, not next year, but beginning today. Ask what you can do without, what can the state do with out and don’t make layoff’s the scapegoat.
So tackle the budget like your own budget/check book and do it now,not later in the session.
Belle Plaine
January 16th, 2009 at 10:03 am
Since EVERYONE has been “tightening their belts” why
can’t the legistators do the same & NOT accept per-diem
at least there is 1 person who does not accept per-diem
does the rest not know how to follow? It is a shame that
they can not swallow their pride and set an example for the
state.
Red Wing
January 16th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Below is a Summary of the State Auditor’s 2006 report regarding OPEB liability. I hope this is going to be addressed this legislative session in terms of LGA, etc. I think this issue is relatively unknown to the good taxpayers of Minnesota. School districts in MN sold about $200,000,000 in OPEB bonds just since September. That’s $200,000,000 being drained from local school districts operating funds.
I just read that Crow Wing County is sitting on about $36,000,000 in unfunded OPEB obligations. The total OPEB obligations for Ramsey County, the City of St. Paul, and the St. Paul school district sits at about $900,000,000. Staggering numbers.
It’s hard for me to imagine discussing the current budget shortfall without addressing the OPEB issue.
Auditor says local governments have $3.4 billion retiree health liabilities
October 18, 2006
Summary Report
The Minnesota State Auditor’s Office reports on results on a survey of the state’s local governments and estimates that 343 local entities may have a combined retiree health liability of about $3.37 billion, “representing 27.1 percent of their total annual revenues of $12.5 billion.” “What is most striking in the study,” the report notes, “is that the overall OPEB liability of $3.37 billion is concentrated in a relatively few number of entities…the top twenty largest OPEB liabilities account for 73 percent of the total OPEB liability for all local governments in Minnesota.” “Among the 1,730 local governments that responded to the Auditor’s survey, only 343 had any OPEB liability at all,” the paper says, and it notes that these entities are “primarily concentrated in the (Minneapolis-St. Paul) metropolitan area and in northeastern Minnesota.” School districts are described as representing the largest share of liabilities, over 42 percent of the estimated statewide total
Watertown
January 17th, 2009 at 8:16 am
Simple - spend less then you take in - save the balance for tough times instead of wasting it like last year.
Cancel all ridiculous global warming - carbon cutting initiatives and all other do-nothing feel good programs.
Cut all the remaining programs by the percentage the overall budget is short.
Minneapolis
January 18th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
This area is not addressed in the categories but I would bring up bonding as it seems not to be relegated to even years only. It is time for the state to bond only NEEDS not WANTS. For example, there were over 5 different bills for indoor hockey arenas in 2008. No place NEEDS a hockey arena that is a WANT. If a community WANTS a hockey arena the local people will have to decide what they are willing to give up to have it. I have repeatedly spoken to my family at the kitchen table about the fact that cable TV and high speed internet are WANTS not NEEDS and they will have to choose what they are going to do without in order to have them. My 9 year old gets it, why not the communities around the state.
The same applies to shopping malls and the associated parking ramps ( if business deems it necessary let them raise their rents to pay for it ) and please let’s quit subsidizing the multi billion dollar professional sports business. I would like to know how any of these items became the JOB of the state to build?
Why have our priorities become so skewed?
Minneapoliis, MN
January 19th, 2009 at 1:48 pm
A huge part of a budget plan is income. I really do think the state should get into the casino business along with the Native Americans. It seems to me that to have a state run casino near the new Target Ball Park/Train Station would bring in billions. It would employ many also and unemployment is such a monumental problem. Other cities/states do this - why not us?
Shoreview
January 20th, 2009 at 2:09 pm
I understand all the arguments about leveling the playing field for candidates running for state office and public participation in the election process, etc. However, now that we don’t have discretionary funds available for that purpose, we should look at trimming or eliminating the general fund money that is funneled into campaign accounts and the accounts of the major and minor party units each election year.
I did a little digging in Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board information and found the following…
Public subsidy paid out in:
2008 $1,608,165 to 263 candidates
2006 $4,700,603 to 381 candidates
2004 $1,736,164 to 267 candidates
2002 $4,442,832 to 421 candidates
Additionally, the state is paying out refunds of $50 and $100 to contributors to state campaign committees and party units from the state general fund.
Refunds paid out in:
2007 candidate committee contributions $2,951,350
party committee contributions $3,252,821
Total $6,204,171
2006 candidate committee contributions $1,672,912
party committee contributions $3,230,838
Total $4,903,750
2005 candidate committee contributions $2,176,834
party committee contributions $4,167,610
Total $6,344,444
2004 candidate committee contributions $2,176,837
party committee contributions $2,818,071
Total $4,994,908
That’s a lot of $$ that could be used for higher priority needs.
MN
Hugo
January 21st, 2009 at 12:49 pm
I also think that we should eliminate the “sanctuary city: status for St. Paul, Minnepolis, Austin and any other so designated cities. The illegals that reside in these cities are costing taxpayers a very large amount of money that comes in part from state funds and in part from counties etc.
Stillwater
January 22nd, 2009 at 5:48 pm
1- If the legislature is asking us common folk to sacrifice, the legislature should be willing to do it’s share. Reduce the size of our overbloated legislature by 25% during the next re-districting, and get us more in line with other states.
2- Eliminate most if not all subsidies. Ethonol is a profitable industry and yet we give them $25M/year. The state should not be in the business of subsidising private enterprize except in unique situations.
3- It seems every state agency has their own purchasing, human resources, accounting etc. departments. Consolidate these and lay off any excess employees. Layoffs aren’t nice, but it’s a fact of life. Government employees seem to have a job for life once they’re hired.
4- Employee benefits are expensive. They need to be brought in line with private industry. Health care, paid time off etc. Government is too lucrative in their benefits. Employees will complain, but they can leave and try and find anything better.
5- Millions of tax dollars go uncollected each year for many reasons. Turn this over to private industry (who’s ever appropriate) and give them x% of what they collect.
Shakopee
January 22nd, 2009 at 8:16 pm
Approving a Racino at Canterbury Park would add millions of dollars to the General Fund every year at no cost to the State.
Forest Lake
January 22nd, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Unicameral legislature. We can cut half of the politicians and their bloated per diem. Also, the housing allowance for the out-state politicians - why can’t we get a discount rate at a local hotel for them to spend the night(s) that they are here? Better yet, a dorm setup for all of them, provide them meals and a place to sleep. It would make them get their work done and want to get home faster so they don’t have to spend as much time in the cities!
Also, why do the state employees need to give back all the time? We did it back in the early 90s with Arne, had a few more 0% increases, and any times of a 1-2% increase when private sector jobs give out 5-7%, bonuses, and the like. I like my job, that is why I stay. It’s not because of the overwhelming pay I receive, or the “perks” we supposedly get.
Saint Paul
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 am
Change the standard work week for state employees (I am one) from 5-8 hr days to 4-10 hour days.
Inver Grove Heights
January 23rd, 2009 at 9:36 am
Please consider requiring all state agencies to reduce salary expenditures by ??% by offering Leave for Salary Savings to employees. It’s a program that has been used successfully in the past. It’s a humane way to avoid layoffs while giving employees a way to contribute to the solution.
Thank you.
Inver Grove Heights
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
Aways interesting to listen to the anger generated by hard times. State employees make up about 4% of the budget and yet this is one of the first places looked at for cuts. Public employees on the whole are paid less and have less paid bennefits then private industry. Times have changed for state employees and anyone who takes the time and looks, it is a matter of public record, will be able to be informed to the truth of this matter.
Everyone will need to tighten their belts and no one has had to do this more than state employees. So cuts will be made where they must, but please stop the untruths about state employees and how much they make. Have the honesty to say that cuts are again going to be made to some of the lowest paid employees, for equal work, in the state. Also, cutting state positions will cut services, and taxes.
Minneapolis
January 23rd, 2009 at 3:31 pm
In line with the previous poster, MN state employees are some of the most efficient government workforces in the nation. In the last 6 years the wage for professional state employees has only increased by an average of 1.75% per year (private sector average 3.7% per year, Social Security Cost Of Living Adjustments increase an average of 3.38% per year). The reality is that state employees don’t even keep up with the cost of living increases each year. Remember these are your fellow Minnasotans who put most of that money back into local economies, pay taxes, and provide services to the people of the state.
Roseville
January 23rd, 2009 at 6:58 pm
Its time we look at a single health insurance plan for all of Minnesota and stop giving our health money to insurance companies for health insurance and the medical portion of worker compensation coverage. This would reduce our Health service entitlement cost, a health care cost we already manage. Reduce the cost of employees for all employer in the state, attracting business and making them along with the state more competitive. We are past time for saying improve service for a real savings. It is time to look at massive structural changes to the way we do business.
St. Paul
January 25th, 2009 at 11:25 pm
This budget area is another bloated area in state government. Like most state agencies, it has too many managers and analysts. State government can and should cut the needed layers of managers and do something about the many unqualified cronies who have managed to ruin the integrity of the civil service system.
If the DFL doesn’t start cleaning up this mess, the voters are going to lose all faith in the DFL. The anger voters feel about the massive waste in state government is intense–and eventually even progressive voters such as myself will get tired of the excuses about why this mess cannot be cleaned up.
Mankato
January 26th, 2009 at 10:33 am
When the Governor proposed a wage freeze for two years, does that include his own wage? Furthermore, will he propose a cut in wages for himself and other high ranking officials in his administration?
As noted by another person who has already commented, as a state employee, I am supportive of a 4-ten hour work week as opposed to a 5-eight hour day work week. If that helps to cut costs, I am all for it.
We cannot expect to keep receiving the same level of services from the local and state governments without raising taxes. I think we need to raise taxes to some extent to pay for what we want. It is absurd to expect to have the same level of services but continue to cut taxes. OR, raise the taxes of the most wealthy. That only seems fair.
St. Paul
January 26th, 2009 at 11:31 am
We need to support local businesses (agricultural, construction, manufacturers, etc.) which in turn put money back into our state. The state should give incentives to citizens to support local instead of Big Box and products made in another country.
North Mankato
January 27th, 2009 at 8:37 am
Reduce the number of senators & representatives. Reduce number of employees in the executive and legislative branches. Reduce General Fund spending in Health & Human Services as well as E-12 Education by 10%.
Mankato
January 27th, 2009 at 12:17 pm
Why not approve Canterbury Downs’ Racino proposal, letting them add slot machines to live racing and cards. Statistics prove this is a win/win situation.
Gibbon
January 27th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
Make Legislators and all state and county workers allowed to take only their salaries and that the TAX PAYERS will be the only ones that will be allowed to vote a raise to any of these people. This means NO Perdium, mileage or any other extra money above their salaries.
And that the people can do a re-call on any person in their district for failure of that person not representing the majority of those in their districts wishes. And We have EVERY right to have a paper that show us how just our senator or representative voted on every bill all in one document.
St. Paul
January 28th, 2009 at 8:40 am
One of the things that has made Minnesota a great place to live is its commitment to the Arts. In the last year private funding for the arts has decreased and now the Govenor is proposing doing away with the Arts Board–after the ammendment for ear marked arts funding passed last fall. In fact I’m told that he proposes to use that ear marked funding for other expenses. This isn’t right. Arts are as vital to our community as any thing else. Artists are small business contributors to our economy. If anything, use the ear marks for a WPA like program to bring more arts to more people.
COLUMBIA HEIGHTS
January 28th, 2009 at 8:43 am
I COULDN’T SIT BACK AND SAY NOTHING ON GOV. PAWLENTY’S 2010-2011 BUDGET PROPOSAL… CUTTING MEDICAL OFF TO MORE THAN 80,000 PEOPLE, CUTTING SNOW PLOWS TO WORK MONDAY THRU FRIDAY ONLY, CUTTING OFF TO COUNTIES WHICH WILL RESULT IN LESS FIRE FIGHTERS AND POLICEMEN????
WELL IT SOUNDS TO ME LIKE THE TAXPAYERS IN THIS STATE, ISN’T WORTH MUCH. THAT THE STATE CAN PUT OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY BELOW EVERYTHING ELSE. HE SPENT MORE THAN $7000 LAST YEAR ON THE ZOO….ANIMALS TAKE PROPRIORITY OVER HUMAN BEINGS AND TAXPAYERS.
GOV. PAWLENTY HAD A BALANCED BUDGET WHEN HE CAME INTO OFFICE. WHAT AND HOW DID WE END UP WITH THIS KIND OF A DEFICIT HERE IN THIS STATE, IN HIS WATCH????
HERE ARE A FEW PLACES GOV. PAWLENTY WHERE U CAN START CUTTING THE BUDGET IN MY BOOK…NO PREDEIUMS…NO MORE INTERNATIONAL TRIPS…CLOSE DOWN THE STATES GOVERNOR’S MANSION…YOU AND ALL STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TAKE A 30% CUT IN SALARIES…CUT ALL YOUR MEDICAL INSURANCE TO ALL STATE OFFICALS…AND I HAVE A LIST SO LONG THAT IT WOULD TAKE ME DAYS TO LIST THEM ALL.
YOU NEED TO PUT PEOPLE IN THIS STATE ABOVE ALL ELSE…AND YES, THAT MEANS THE ZOO, THE LIGHT RAIL, NEW STADIUMS, ECT. AS THE OFFICIAL FOR THIS STATE YOU NEED TO PROPRIORITY TOO.
Chanhassen
January 28th, 2009 at 11:08 am
Public Defense is set to receive a crippling blow under Pawlenty’s budget proposal. As our chief justice recently pointed out, the court system will experience unprecedented logjams with potential cuts to lawyer staff. The courts cannot, as chief justice Magnuson recognizes, simply skip over procedures where representation is required by the Constitution.
The answer is NOT holding the line on taxes. We must have tax equity in the state at the very least. The top 10% of income earners pay only 8 to 10 percent in state taxes, while everyone else pays 12 percent or more. That is just wrong, and reflects regressive tax policy that Republicans love. With higher taxes on the rich in the 90s, we had unprecedented growth and prosperity–because they can afford to pay another 2 to 4 percent.
Please do not yield to the governor’s no new taxes, and tax cuts for big business demands. We need tax equity and a fully funded public defense budget.
st paul
January 28th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Reduce the number of LEgislators by 1/2 .Ca has less legislators than MN with largest pop in country larger than Canada
St. Paul
January 28th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
I have sent email to you personally several weeks ago regarding my one thought on reducing the state budget shortfall.
The increase in per diem which was voted in is too much and should not have even been considered. Everyone, including yourself has said everything is on the table for cut.
Please advise all members to take the lead and affect their own pocketbook and cut the per diem for all Senators. This would level the playing field and show that our elected officials will suffer along with those of us who are retired ( 73 years old) and on fixed income.
I did not receive a response to my first email
Thank you for your leadership
New London
January 29th, 2009 at 5:29 pm
Dear MN Senators,
I want to be constructive - and honest at the same time.
I worked as a temp in the Willmar Job Service office in the fall of 2001 when the state employees went on strike.
There were some wonderful, hard working staff in that office - and there were people that fit into two categories:
1) OJR - on the job retired
2) Negative staff who hated their jobs but stayed because of the great state employee pay and benefits.
During the strike - they were upset over a $40 increase in family health insurance benefits.
I have two suggestions:
1) The state needs to have the state employees pay a fair share of their benefits. They not only have what I would call a “Catallac” (sp?) health plan - but pay a fraction of what people in the “real world” pay for health care - even in employer health plans.
2) The state departments need to take a hard look at their employes and consider firing or laying off their employees who are filling space.
One woman - who I was covering for as a temp during her medical leave - used to take naps under her desk during her breaks.
At 4:30 when the office closed - the lights would literally go off as exactly 4:30 pm. And I would at that time be going for my coat and purse while everyone else had their coats, etc on and were locking up! In non-government businesses - even in the city owned hospital where I work (Rice in Willmar - that does not receive tax dollars) - when it’s time to close the office - THEN we get our coats, etc. Sometimes staying late if needed.
This may seem on the surface as someone who is just angry who thinks all state employees are lazy - but please know that is not the issue. There were hard working wonderful people who cared about the laid off and “welfare to work” clients.
I just think that state employees need to share the cost of health care, etc - just like non-state government businesses.
Thank you for listening. I appreciate the hard work you have ahead of you!
Savage
January 29th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Reduce outsourcing as much as possible, as it is extremely expensive.
Extend the sales tax to clothing. This could eliminate the need for a state income tax.
Open a state operated casino. By not having one, it would appear that we are trying to claim the high moral ground over Native Americans, which we will never be able to claim.
Lakeville
January 30th, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Amend the constitution to switch to a more efficient, unicameral legislature, needing far fewer legislators, half of the support staff, and less duplicated effort. Since is no conflict between representing population density against the sovereign power of independent states within Minnesota like there is in the federal government, there is no excuse for the separation between House and Senate within State Government. Assuming the legislature costs roughly $120 million per biennium, this would save at least $50 million.
Rescind the per diem changes which allowed unaudited, year-round expenditures, offering the possibility of extraconstitutional pay increases.
Maple Grove
January 30th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Minnesota has required health insurance companies to provide mandated coverage to do business here. This makes Minnesota Health insurance some of the most expensive in the U.S. If the legislature would take the following OFF the mandated list and allow them to be something a family could OPT to pay more for - everyone’s insurance premium in Minnesota would go down. Here are some of the worst offenders that EVERYONE currently has and is paying for on their health insurance: Alcoholism (even if you don’t drink), Anti-Psychotic drugs (even if you’re very stable), breast reconstruction (even if you are a man), contraceptives (even if you can’t have kids), Drug abuse (even if you don’t), HAIR PROSTHESES (even if you have hair), infertility services (even if you don’t WANT children), Well-child care (even if you don’t have kids), oh, and Marriage Therapists (even if you are not married). Congratulations - you all pay for way more insurance than you’ll ever use!!! No wonder insurance is so expensive. Maybe someone at the commerce department can get a highlighter and our representative government can give us a more affordable choice, or give us insurance where we can select our coverages and decline unnecessary insurance? It is not our Governments job to insure us when we can do it ourselves IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD QUIT MESSING WITH THE SYSTEM. END THESE MANDATES and life will get more affordable. Thank you.
St Paul
January 31st, 2009 at 6:45 am
Senator Cohen,
The Minnesota Legislature is excessive in it’s size and it must be reduced. I’m undecided about a unicameral but it should probably be discussed.
The per diem is also excessive and should be reduced in both branches to a maximum of thirty five dollars per day.
All government employees including the Governor, the Legislature and the Judiciary should accept significant pay cuts.
Although more income must be generated for the State I would not be very happy with a State run casino.
Our National Senator and Representatives are doing a very poor job of bring Federal monies into our State.
Maple Grove
February 3rd, 2009 at 4:20 pm
Why don’t we consolidate districts so that there are fewer legislatures and then move to a uni-cameral system. That will save a few bucks. Then, we can get rid of wasteful spending (like this website).
Shakopee
February 3rd, 2009 at 9:17 pm
February 3, 2009
Minnesota Senate State Government Budget- Budget Suggestion
Letter of the Day, Minneapolis Tribune, 1-31-09 by Jim Fackler, New Hope
Follow Arizona’s lead- get rid of lieutenant governor post
When Janet Napolitano reigned as the governor of Arizona to become President Obama’s head of Homeland Security, the state’s secretary of state, Jan Brewer, succeeded to the governor’s office.
Three other Arizona governors who were elevated to the office argued against having a lieutenant governor. Bruce Babbitt said, “A lieutenant governor is about as useful as a fifth wheel on a wagon.” Rose Mofford said, “We made studies about this many times and found it was very expensive to create another office. The existing law has worked successfully since 1912.” And Jane Dee Hall said, “I have never believed the state needs a lieutenant governor. Every candidate for secretary of state knows they are next in succession.”
Minnesota could save some money by abolishing the position, which does not add anything to the operations of our state government. It’s an expensive political welfare role.
___________________________________________________________________
This is a suggestion that I absolutely agree with. I am hoping that the Senate members do too, and get it done!
From Elmer Otto
Shakopee, MN 55379
E-mail: OTOShak10@aol.com
Cottage Grove
February 5th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
Considering all options you should also consider raising
the newsprint fee by $200 per ton. Minnesotans need reliable
information that demonstrates solutions for today and
tomorrow. Unfortunately we only get the hype. Making it
more expensive to provide hype may reduce the volumn of it.
Rochert
February 7th, 2009 at 7:02 am
I would like to expand on Ms. Anderson’s comment above, regarding too many analysts and managers, and the bloated budget.
The enormous loss of small business in Minnesota last year will translate to and result in a decreased need for the government services associated with these operations. I’ll list a few examples, though I realize there are many more.
Sales Tax: fewer retail businesses, less reporting
IRP: fewer trucking companies, fewer applications
IFTA: again, fewer trucking companies, less reporting
Surely we don’t need to staff these offices as we have in the past? As for the wage freeze, why not? Small business and non-government entities in Minnesota haven’t seen a raise in several years and they have had to adjust. I say take it one step further and decrease the office staffing and, as Ms. Anderson pointed out above, the ridiculously wasteful and bureaucratic paperwork load.
st marys point
February 9th, 2009 at 9:27 pm
2009 has 27 pay periods for state employees. Usually there are 26. Every state employee could take 2 weeks, 1 pay period, off without pay and still receive a full years expected pay. 2010 has 26 pay periods so there would be no loss there. There would be no loss of benefits as benefits are spread over 24 pay periods.
Eagan
February 10th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
It’s way past time to cut the size of the legislature. And while we’re at it, make the number of districts a multiple of the number of Congressional Districts so there’s less confusion about who represents whom.
Eagan
February 11th, 2009 at 10:03 am
On the issue of our states deficit:
To start off I would like to say a word or two on the whole issue.. As a state we can’t print money. Meaning we can’t spend money we don’t have. Either we borrow it or cut where possible.We have a two party system. Demacratic and Republican .. Liberal an Conservative, But we all have the same problem. And we have to STOP being Sugar Daddys to our constitutes.. Face up to the hard facts, that can’t keep buying our votes by giving away tax money to buy votes..!!
Number 1. Our State has a number one priority …SAFETY to our citizens.. Police, fire, etc.That means our local level has this PRIORITY too. And any cuts that come down from the state doesn’t mean that they have the right to raise taxes through school referendums or proper tax increases..!! I would like to see a law passed that all school funding K thru 12 be funded thru the general fund and NOT thru real-estate taxes, so by ALL the citizens in the State would be responsible for education….!! Start looking at the teachers union too.. Make them face up to the hard facts that there retirement fund is not the citizen’s responsibility .. I just had to face up to this year from Quest as a retiree, that I had to start paying for my Heath ins. over $300 a month to start with and this is on a fixed budget..!! So Let’s start by sharing the load here..!!
Number 2. Health and human services
We’re going to STOP being a magnet to the other Sates as a give away social state..!! It’s hard to reduce the funding but we can stop now the give away status by reducing greatly the amount of aid to NEW recipients . Keep The same amount where they came from or smaller amount.. Welfare fraud has to be another priority . Double dipping too. Work for your aid ..Do something for the tax dollars you get.
I have more ideas ,but this is enough for now,
Robert Daily
Eagan Mn.
White Bear Lake
February 12th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
I believe we all need to shoulder part of the deficit burden by cutting spending and increase taxes. We enjoy a higher quality of life in this state largely due to our government and the priorities of the people here. Lets keep our compassion for people balanced with safety and trust in the priorities that have already been set. This is not the result of a bloated budget but of a steep recession. All state departments should take the same percentage of budget cuts (leave up to agencies how/what to cut)combined with progessive increase in taxes on individuals earning 70,000 and up, families earning 140,000 and up.
Duluth
February 12th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
In the 1970’s, we state employees worked 4 10 hour days to conserve energy in the buildings. Maybe someone can determine whether this might help in this situation.
Also, just a general comment. We boomers have had a nice life for the most part. In making decisions, please help young people. Whether it is a method to help them buy their first home, or something that provides medical insurance, or provides them with college tuition breaks, let whatever resources there are flow to them. I think it is time we boomers, who have been responsible for mucking a lot of things up and using a lot of resources in the process, give up some things on behalf of those who have never experienced the “Minnesota Miracle”.
Mankato
February 14th, 2009 at 11:28 am
Cut OESW, Office on Economic Status of Women. A special interest office within the legislative branch, this office was set up in the heady days of radical feminism. At least $150,000 per year is spent on putting women first, regardless of their financial status. It is better to base services on need rather than gender, race, or ethnicity. Please end this special interest spending that urges more special interest spending.
http://www.commissions.leg.state.mn.us/oesw/historical/index.htm
Eagan
February 18th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Toughen enforcement of immigration laws. Require all businesses in the state to use E-verify. It only makes sense to make sure that legal Minnesotans have the opportunity to jobs in Minnesota. Use E-verify for anyone using any type of public assistance. No use in giving OUR tax money to illegal immigrants when there are AMERICAN CITIZENS in need of public assistance.
All Members of the Senate, Legislature and Governor and their staffs should take pay cuts. They are the ones that over spent. Do away with the per diem. Reduce the number of State Workers. As some one that deals with numerous State Agencies, there are simply to many employees. All one needs to do is look at the Highway Dept. No matter what type of work they do there always has to be 3 or 4 people sitting in trucks all day and a couple of guys actually working. Private contractors would do the same job with half the number of people.
Get rid of the Met Council. All they do is increase the cost of everything in the metro. The problem is the public doesn’t have any say in what they do. No accountability to the public.
Lower the cost of doing business in Minnesota. Everything from Workers Comp to Taxes needs to be restructured so Minnesota is completive with other states in the Country. Give businesses a reason to stay and relocate to Minnesota.
Overhaul the education system. It seems like no amount of money we put towards education is ever enough. Seems like we try to reinvent to wheel every couple of years, which results in more wasted money. The only way to improve schools is to get politics out of the system.
Why is it that we require everyone in this country to carry car insurance if you want to drive, but we don’t require people to carry health insurance. Get everyone on health insurance and the costs should come down. Structure it like car insurance. Let people pick their coverage. But every one has to have coverage for major health problems. I know to many people who say they can’t afford health insurance. But if they would give up their $40000 dollar car they probably could afford the policy. For lower income people you could give them credits to help with the cost. I pay 144.20 a month for a policy that covers 100% after my $2700 deductible, pretty affordable if you ask me.
People might have to change their lifestyles to buy the coverage. But why should taxpayers foot the bill for irresponsible people or for people that would rather spend the money on other lifestyle choices.
Jordan, MN
February 19th, 2009 at 1:12 pm
I recently introduced a bill, SF 713, that would provide a financial incentive for state employees to offer cost-saving ideas for state programs. The bill would provide the lesser of 10 percent or $2,500 of the first year of cost savings for any suggestion from a group of employees or individuals that is implemented. The bill does not require any new revenue since without the cost-saving initiative being implemented the state would be spending more rather than less money. I’m hoping this proposal will encourage employees who are intimately familiar with our state programs to step forward to suggest ways to make the programs operate more effectively and cost efficiently. The bill is being sponsored in the House by Rep. Paul Kohls.
Sandstone
February 23rd, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Comments regarding the State of Minnesota’s budget
First and foremost, there are no quick easy answers to the financial situation of our state. However, we must recognize some basic, common, too often misunderstood facts and principles. Not intending to assign any priorities, some controlling factors are;
A. There can be no sacred cows.
B. We cannot lose anything we presently do not have.
C. This is not a Democrat or Republican, urban or rural problem.
D. It is a statewide problem which includes every aspect of our society including each and every one of us, regardless of age, race sex, religious or political conviction.
E. We must clearly differentiate and clearly define what we are saying when we use the terms, “cut and cuts”, and “reduced increases”.
F. It will require sacrifice and acceptance of responsibility by each and every one of us to learn to live within our means. This applies to our personal lives as well as in the exercising our responsibilities at work, in government or industry, and, if you will, at play.
For discussion purposes, let’s start with a wage freeze at the 1 January 2009 level. This is primarily for all state and local government workers. Review paid time off and fringe benefits. Reduce overtime by rescheduling when and where possible. Look for duplication of efforts not only within an organization or agency but by more than one agency and or organization. For example, presently the DNR, EPA, PCA, BWSR, SWCD’s, all have jurisdiction and/or functional responsibilities pertaining to wetlands within the state of Minnesota, along with the overall responsibilities of the Army Corps of Engineers. Restrict expansions of objectives and project to areas that can be financed with cost savings resulting from improved management and oversight techniques. Initiate cost savings programs that reward employees with financial bonuses for their cost saving ideas. Cap salaries once a freeze is lifted. For those receiving clothing assistance, utilize the cost savings by taking advantage of the various thrift shops and Good Will stores. Review the authorized types of foods allowed to be purchased with food stamps, removing such foods as Lobster, fresh salmon, alcoholic beverages etc.
I realize I am not giving any specific area to focus on. I do not feel a realistic attempt to resolve the financial status of the state of Minnesota can be accomplished by focusing on any one specific area. Nor can any specific area be omitted from review.
I thank you for the opportunity to express my opinion in this very important matter for everyone in our great state of Minnesota
Sincerely;
Leland Magnuson
41935 Duxbury Road
Sandstone MN 55072
Phone 320 245 2868
Minneapolis
February 25th, 2009 at 1:30 am
Will there be “accountability, transparency, open meetings”? I know some supposedly “open” that were “closed”.
Will there be “open & free conferences/receptions/parties/ meals/travel/hotel/entertainment” for the public as done with attending employees of government agencies & companies receiving government funds? Or is this an area where funding will be cut? Most people save their own money for vacations with less perks.
Will government and companies receiving government funds be spending lots of taxpayers’ money on advertising, exhibits, sponsorships, and other non-essentials? It turns people off when they spend excessively with taxpayers’ money. They get lots more free media when they do something right or something wrong.
Bloomington
February 25th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Prepare the way to reduce the size of our legislature. California which is 2 times as large and has 7 times the population has 120 legislators. Minnesota has over 200 and this is ridiculous. Bein that 2010 is a census year and redistricting and gerrymandering will take place anyway, Today is the time to propose these reductions. This will save money for years to come.
Minneapolis
February 25th, 2009 at 3:04 pm
Addendum: Employees of government agencies and companies/organizations receiving government funds do not make information available to the public - the free information, contacts and other benefits they got free from public money - when they attended their “free meetings/conferences/receptions/parties/meals/travel/transportation/hotel/entertainment/education credits/other perks” - that others and the public have to pay for themselves if their company doesn’t pay. More work would get done at cheaper costs if those employees of government agencies and companies/organizations receiving government funds have to pay for these things themselves. (Some employees always attend everything or spend all their time planning and going to these junkets without doing any “real work” - so why are they being paid with public money?)
Reference:
Will there be “accountability, transparency, open meetings”? I know some supposedly “open” that were “closed”.
Will there be “open & free conferences/receptions/parties/ meals/travel/hotel/entertainment” for the public as done with attending employees of government agencies & companies receiving government funds? Or is this an area where funding will be cut? Most people save their own money for vacations with less perks.
Will government and companies receiving government funds be spending lots of taxpayers’ money on advertising, exhibits, sponsorships, and other non-essentials? It turns people off when they spend excessively with taxpayers’ money. They get lots more free media when they do something right or something wrong.
Minnetonka
March 2nd, 2009 at 3:40 pm
California which is 2 times as large and has 7 times the population has 120 legislators. Minnesota has over 200 and this is ridiculous.
1) Eliminate the Lt. Governor position
2) Reduce the size of bothe the senate and house’
3) Cut the number of counties in half.
Columbus-Forest Lake
March 6th, 2009 at 12:06 pm
No more sports stadiums. You would also get constructions jobs from rebuilding roads and bridges and building public transporation. It would be obscene to ask struggling Minnesotans to pay for a stadium they cannot afford to attend–or to encourage them to gamble to pay for it. Recall that blackouts had to be threatened to even sell all the tickets to some games.
Put a waiting period on receiving public assistance. We are cutting services to needy Minnesotans while we let people come up from Chicago and elsewhere and immediately get public assistance.
Raise income taxes on wealthier Minnesotans. They pay a lower percentage of their higher income in taxes than do the struggling people with lesser income.
COLD SPRING
March 14th, 2009 at 1:09 pm
One piece of the budget problem is to bring in revenue without raising taxes.The good news is our legislators can do that by allowing slot machines at Canterbury and a nice casino in the metro area.Let’s have some competition and stop the momopoly.Another solution would be to have the present casinos pay state taxes on revenue.
Minneapolis
March 22nd, 2009 at 1:20 am
Just a few ideas off the top of my head to save a few dollars in the this time of red ink:
1-CLOSE ALL UNNECESSARY STATE OFFICES FOR 1 DAY PER WEEK. I think this is a slight burden, yet will generate savings. Certain counties in Calif.& Arizona have also done this for budget reasons. My work in real estate for these counties is easily done during the other 4 days these offices are open, or on the internet. Salaries can be pro-rated or vacation time used, & there are savings on supplies, utilities & custodial services. Examples of closings would be accounting, secretarial, purchasing etc. However, essential services such as police, fire, prisions etc. would be open their usual days & hours.
2-LEADERSHIP BY EXAMPLE:ALL highly paid state employees (including the Gov.,Lt.Gov.,Const. officers, Judges, Agency heads etc.)making over $90,000 per year in salary (excludes travel & ancillary reimbursements)would get a 40% pay cut until such time as the budget is in balance. NO exceptions. Regular workers would not be subject to this cut-state clerical employees have already sacrificed plenty in the last few years. For an employee making $100K per year, this would be a new “temporary salary” of $60K per year-more in line with what upper middle-class Minnesotans are paid. And they’ll learn to budget like the rest of us. Maybe this would be the incentive to get a balanced state budget right quick!
3-CONSOLIDATE purchasing & other administration functions (previous post by Gary Horning on 1-22-09). Little nibbles can add up to a lot of dough.
4-fund NEEDS not WANTS, especially when the WANTS are from a wealthy or special interest group. We are getting a new baseball stadium (!) paid for on the backs of Hennepin County taxpayers, with state money to boot, yet there are unmet needs in our communities. We do not NEED a new stadium, the HHH dome works just fine, thank you. How about some books for our kids in school, a new Lowry Ave Bridge to replace the “structurally deficient” one, or rehab money for our inner city homeowners?
5-TAX FAIRNESS, TAX FAIRNESS-can’t say it enough! The top 3to5 % of income earners in this state pay a lower income tax rate (9%) than the middle bracket earners (12%). We’ve known this for years. Yet these 3-5% folks are the first to cry, “don’t raise my taxes” or “it’ll cost jobs”. However, they achieved their success & careers thru our publicly funded schools,(where they learned their profession), public roads (whereby they can travel on business or transport the goods of their trade), and so forth. As Warren Buffett said: “My secretary pays porportionately more of her salary in taxes than I do”. Isn’t it time that we all do our FAIR SHARE and pay what we should ?
6-EFFICIENCY: GO ON-LINE & PAPERLESS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. The legislature has done a good job of this. Let look at doing it more so, and in other areas of state operations & agencies. Everywhere I go, there are handouts & brochures & reports etc..too much paper! We can cut costs (buy less paper), improve efficiency & communications. Plus, we’ll be a “greener state” by saving trees & getting cleaner air & less CO2. ‘ya know.
7-INVEST IN A STATE OWNED PROFITABLE BUSINESS. Example: North Dakota does not have a deficit because they have oil revenues. MN is one of the windiest states, why not have state-owned wind farms? This would 1)generate green-power for our use, 2)generate income for state coffers, 3)put people to work (who pay taxes & thereby generate more income to state coffers), 4)lessen the “booom/bust” cycle of state surplus/deficits. We need to think of long-term, income-producing enterprises to provide money, taxes alone won’t do it. This would cost $ now, but provide a stream of free cash later (think like a business person).
8-PER-DIEM FAIRNESS: I support the per-deim reductions for metro area legislators. Establish an independent board to regulate the per-deim rates. Currently, it’s the ones who benefit who also set the rules. A tiered system seems fair-the farther out you are, the more you are paid.
9-EXTEND SALES TAX TO CLOTHING(WITH EXCEPTIONS)Exempt necessary and moderately priced clothing-things we need to have. But that $600 pair of fashion boots or the $3000 Italian men’s suit, yes, those should be taxed at the current rate.
10-GO HYBRID OR FLEX FUEL FOR ALL STATE VEHICLES: again, leadership by example. I truly can’t understand a state-owned minivan on I-394 during my commute, with 1 occupant (the driver), when a small hybrid car would be better & cleaner. Think of the $$$$$ we could save in gas expenses, and the lower amount of emmissions we create. Maybe the only exceptions are snowplows & big trucks, unless these can be hybrid/FF also.
Thanks for the community listening sessions and for this on-line opportunity. I was at Plymouth City Hall in the snowstorm, it was an overflow crowd. I hope there are a few “gems” in all this.
Forest Lake
March 26th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
There are many comments to layoff state employees. The last budget deficit did much of that. Many want to have less government yet the demands from the public for government services never decreases. You cannot have it both ways. Many employees are doing the jobs of two people. Like most everyone, government employees pay taxes too. It’s the top income earners who do not pay their fair share, percentage wise. My suggestion is this: instead of seeking to only lay off state employees, why not consider operating on a 10-hour day, 4 days/week work schedule for the next two years and shutting down all state office buildings completely for 3 days. Currently, many employees have so much work to do that they work on the weekends. The heat may not be on, but lights are on, computers are on, copiers are on, etc. There would be savings in not having cleaning crews for an extra day. Shut down the buildings completely and not allow employees to enter for those 3 days. I would think that the savings would be significant while still keeping government operating. Catherine Dorr beat me to the idea and then some. Great thoughts I agree with wholeheartedly.
Saint Paul, MN
March 30th, 2009 at 10:19 am
If you furlough state workers, will their house payments, gas and groceries be cut by 20%? Sending people home with less income is going to make the recession worse. Will the legislators and governor take a 20% pay cut?
Forest Lake
April 2nd, 2009 at 2:29 pm
Before cutting essential services or raising our taxes, strong consideration should be given to the Racino legislation which could generate $100’s of millions in new tax revenue for Minnesota.
Duluth
April 24th, 2009 at 10:41 am
I work in healthcare, and my hospital is facing millions of dollars in cuts. why dont we make taxes fair to cover the deficit, instead of cutting essential services? How about the government increases revenue through taxing the rich, instead of the working class. If Mr. Pawlenty is expecting all of Minnesota to make concessions, I ask, what conessions are you willing to make to your own pocketbook sir?