Dr. Jay Kiedrowski - March 5, 2009 - What's in store as we face the state's worst budget deficit in modern history?
This year, 46 other states are facing fiscal crises. But swings in budget forecasts are nothing new to Minnesota. In fact, it has one of the most volatile revenue systems in the country. In recent years, economic slowdowns caused budget deficits…only to be followed by revenue increases resulting in significant surpluses. Bouncing erratically between these financial positions requires elected officials to devote more time to solving crises than to improving and delivering public services. In January, the Minnesota Budget Trends Study Commission submitted its plan to better predict and manage the state’s budget to the legislature.
