Minnesota
What Are the Budget Issues Facing Minnesota?
In 2009, Minnesota faces a $ 1.4 billion budget gap representing 7.9% of the general fund. In 2010, Minnesota is looking at an even greater $2.5 billion shortfall, 14.7% of the general fund.
What the Federal Stimulus Proposal Will Mean for Children in Minnesota
The economic stimulus recently passed by the United States Congress and signed into law by the Obama Administration will provide significant investment in the health, education, and safety of America’s children over the next two years. It also provides significant support to their parents and grandparents. Highlights include:
- $2,030,000,000 in relief for Minnesota’s Medicaid costs. Medicaid provides health care coverage for low-income children and seniors.
- $667,900,000 in relief to the state of Minnesota to prevent cuts to programs for school-aged children.
- $118,300,000 for the Title I academic achievement of the disadvantaged program.
- $193,800,000 services to children with disabilities in Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
- $31,500,000 for other education programs in Minnesota’s schools.
- $175,000,000 in food stamps for 308,000 Minnesota men, women, and children.
- $23,700,000 in emergency shelter grants for 5,100 households.
- 164,000 Minnesota children will benefit from the child tax credit provisions of the legislation.
- $26,097,342 in Emergency Child Care and Development Block Grant funds to provide child care to 3,800 Minnesota children.
- An increase in unemployment benefits to 331,387 Minnesota families.
- $27,000,000 in additional child support enforcement matching funds.
- $18,000,000 in youth training employment services.
How Have Minnesota’s Senators Have Voted on Important Children’s Legislation in 2009?
Sources: State Budget Information, Stimulus Information