Minnesota is currently facing a record budget deficit. Out-of-control spending combined with the economic downturn has put our state in a dangerous fiscal position. As our elected officials begin to debate how to solve the budget crisis, all Minnesotans should be aware of the following facts:

• Minnesota’s general fund spending has grown $8 billion since 2004 (an increase of 29%)
• Revenues are expected to fall short of the next bienniel budget by $5 - 8 billion.
• The general fund budget of $36 billion is only part of overall state spending. The total state budget is closer to $60 billion when including all dedicated and special funds. These special funds conceal the scope of state spending.
• Minnesota is ranked among the highest per-capita tax burdens in the nation (see Tax Foundation research).
• The two budget items that are consistently held as untouchable are Health & Human Services and Education, but these expenditures combined make up nearly 77% of the state’s general fund budget. It would be nearly impossible to correct a 16% shortfall without looking for greater effeciencies in these budget items (see the budget calculator for a demonstration).

CLICK HERE for a flyer version of Key Budget Facts.