budget

The Minnesota House has passed a higher education budget bill that cuts funding for the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities systems.

The St. Cloud Area school board is considering about 38 budget-cutting options, and well as about a dozen ideas that would generate revenue. During their work study session tomorrow (Wednesday) the board will learn more about those options.

Last week, brought high-altitude budget numbers from Republicans in charge of the Legislature. This week brings the nitty-gritty details at Minnesota's Capitol.

Republicans in the House and Senate released their proposed budget targets for the next two-year budget cycle. The House's budget calls for nearly $34 billion in spending in the next budget. Republican State Representative Steve Gottwalt of St. Cloud says that's actually an increase in spending -- just not as big of an increase as in previous years.

Minnesota GOP senators are making their hardest spending cuts at social service programs, state agencies and aid programs for local governments and public colleges. Budget targets released Thursday offer the first look at how legislators will tackle a $5 billion budget deficit.

Minnesota Senate Republicans are expected to release a budget framework Thursday as the Legislature's GOP majorities grapple with a $5 billion deficit. House Republicans have vowed to release their framework by the end of the week.

Top legislative Republicans say Minnesota can't solve a $6.2 billion budget shortfall without involving public employees. Senate Majority Leader Amy Koch said Friday that wage freezes, pension reductions and cost sharing are being considered as GOP lawmakers prepare a budget proposal.

Republicans and Democrats have been going back and forth over ways to balance the state's $6.2 billion budget deficit, while the rest of us just shake our heads. But as the famous saying goes, "if you think it's so easy, why don't you do it yourself". Now you actually can.

A closer look at Gov. Mark Dayton's budget reveals a smattering of fee increases on Minnesota consumers and industry professionals more likely to pass than his giant income tax proposal.

At least one local Republican lawmaker says Governor Dayton's budget balancing proposal includes too much spending, and not enough cutting. Dayton's plan calls for $2.28 billion in tax increases for the top earners, and only about $1 billion cuts.